compact double v triple? (my new bike!)

[aicabsolut]

Know what the grades you'll be riding tend to be?

What's your easiest cog in the cassette? Is this a 50/36 compact or 50/34?

[sarahlou]

I have a triple crank set on my bike and love having gear options. If the store is willing to change them over for no real charge then I would do it. If you choose to do it down the track it will definately cost. Are they going to give you the same level of components- front derailleur, shifter & crank set? Check on that before you decide. Triple is ideal for the hilly country you want to ride in.

[RussianHillGal]

The Giant site says the cranks are : FSA Gossamer Mega Exo, 34/50 T. So I'd basically be missing the biggest & the smallest gears.

Grade : It looks like an average of 5.5% - up to 6.7% for the hard parts. Not quite sure what this means, but that's what google gave me. Also, the Marin Century has 6250 feet of hills.

I'm far more concerned about finishing than about finishing fast. But it would be nice to be able to keep up with the rest of the girls.

[traveller_62]

RussianHill,

I just had this conversation with my brother in law last night about gearing for his bike!

I've been riding an FSA 50/34 compact double for over a year now. My training partner rides with a triple. I must admit that while I like the compact double there are times when I wish I had one more gear to go to on a long steep climb at the end of a 4 or 5 hour ride!

Since you are just getting into cycling after some time off I guess I would recommend the triple to start with. The weight difference isn't probably going to be a big factor and having more gearing options on hilly terrain could make your ride more enjoyable.

Whatever you choose, enjoy that beautiful bike!

-traveller

[Veronica]

Which version of the Marin Century do you plan on doing, the new one with Mount Tam or the old one? There are sections of Tam that are more than 6%. I'd guess more like 12% and the last bit is even steeper.

V.