Help... triple optional question

[Eden]

That's unusual Knot - most of the time changing to a triple involves at least a new, wider, bottom bracket and often a new front derailleur. (and that's assuming you are using friction shifters - if you have STI's you sometimes have to change at least one of those to - though some are double/triple compatible)

I'm also thinking its was odd that your bike was running around naked of its outer ring..... I think they may have done it that way since its a cross bike and its spec'd with a pretty small big ring. It may be difficult to get a 48 tooth ring with the right bolt pattern to use on double.