compact double v triple? (my new bike!)

[RussianHillGal]

But for those of us who can save more weight by losing it off our bodies than by having a lighter crank set, a triple is quite often the best choice.

I love it! That's definitely me!

Veronica, DOUBLE centuries, wow, I can only dream!! Thanks for the gearing specs, now I know what to ask for on Saturday!

[SadieKate]

Well said, MP.

Until you know what the grades and climbs are like here, the person's fitness level or other challenges (such as knee and back health), you can't really make an accurate recommendation.

Every single person who rides the same hills RussianHillGal will be has many years' experience riding centuries (or longer) and recommended a triple. These aren't newbies lacking fitness making the recommendation. Many of the strong male riders in this neck of the woods use triples. Those that don't are generally in split into two categories: 1) racers and genetically strong freaks and 2) idiots who due to their ego (or stubborness ) prefer to grunt, groan and fall over on the climbs (assuming they haven't already destroyed their knees).

[Veronica]

Every single person who rides the same hills RussianHillGal will be has many years' experience riding centuries (or longer) and recommended a triple. These aren't newbies lacking fitness making the recommendation.

But SK that doesn't matter.

sarcasm on You need to save that two grams or whatever a small chain ring weighs and the two seconds in shifting. And really only FREDS ride triples. How could we be encouraging a NEW rider to use a triple? Everyone will laugh and point as she spins her way up those 18% grades. Don't you know you're supposed to stand and have a cadence of less than 30 when you crest these big climbs? You've heard them laughing at us haven't you? sarcasm off

Actually I usually get the question, "Where did you get such a small chain ring?" And despite the smallness of my chain rings (48/36/24 with a 12x27 and 46/33 with an 11X34), oh maybe I'm not a REAL cyclist, those are tiny I still routinely get into the high 40s on descents and the twenties on the flat. Low to mid twenties, but still the twenties. Yes, MPH.

I fail to see how a triple will hamper RGH's progress in anyway. I think a standard compact double on the MOUNTAINS she wants to ride will make progress tough. Right Spazz?

V.

[spazzdog]

Yes Veronica... (and my memory suddenly floods with scenes from Archie comics).

I would bet (and put my stubborness aside for a moment) that had I lived here when I bought my bike, it would have had a triple.

I did have my stock double changed out to a compact after my Cinderella visit back in 2005, which DOES make things easier here than they would have been otherwise. But, it isn't easy... and I do have to work harder.

spass-hurts... er, I mean spazz