Hybrids better for hills?

[Cataboo]

Compact doubles shift a little better and easier than a triple - they're also that little bit lighter.

I have one bike that's a compact double and one that's a triple. You're used to way easier gears on your trek fx than most people have on a road bike - you've got smaller chain rings up front than a road triple, and you've got what's basically mountain bike gearing on the back - road bike cassettes typically have the biggest cog available as 28 - but that's changed recently since shimano came out with a road cassette that's bigger this year. And since most of the time you say you ride that in your two smaller chain rings up front, I'd probably say you shouldn't switch to a compact double yet. The cannondale is going to be a lot easier in terms of having smaller tires, etc. and more efficient to get going - and I'm not saying that you can't use a compact double - just that you're going to miss your gears (you already do) and you probably shouldn't make so drastic a change just yet.

[nikkoblu2]

So I just spoke with the owner on the phone (naturally this is totally consuming me). I told her I was really unhappy with the compact double. Whether a granny gear or not...I want it back. I ride a lot of...significant...hills and actually look for them cause of the sense of pride after I haul my tush to the top.

She said she would speak to the guy that does the bike building regarding the cost to take care of this problem.

So what is considered acceptable here? I know changing the front cassette maybe mean changing the rear derailer and God knows what else. The bike was listed at $2,100. I asked her what she could take off being that it's a 2010. She came up with $1,900. By the time I added in the wireless computer, bottle caddy and tax the grand total was $2,149.

How much should I expect gratis being that they're trying to make a customer happy and I've only put 50 miles on the bike and already know I need to switch this out?

[JennK13]

Do you have to have THAT bike? Most of the shops I go to have at least a 30 day return policy if you don't like the bike and will give you a different one better suited to you. Not sure which model Synapse you have, and I'm not familiar with those bikes, but just a quick glance at the website and it looks like some models have an option of either a triple or a compact. Seems a lot easier to just switch out your bike than to switch (and charge you) for the components.....

[nikkoblu2]

Do you have to have THAT bike? Most of the shops I go to have at least a 30 day return policy if you don't like the bike and will give you a different one better suited to you. Not sure which model Synapse you have, and I'm not familiar with those bikes, but just a quick glance at the website and it looks like some models have an option of either a triple or a compact. Seems a lot easier to just switch out your bike than to switch (and charge you) for the components.....

Jenn, that's a really valid point. And, no, I don't HAVE to have this bike. When I call the bike shop later today I'll discuss that option of trying out a different bike altogether or a Synapse 3-ring.

[blackhillsbiker]

I'm going the other way on my Kona Dew. I hang out on the largest rings up front. I think I've used the granny once and I don't ride that route on that bike anymore. I think the double is going to give me more usable gears in the range I usually ride. I'm looking forward to the switch.

Deb

[nikkoblu2]

I'm going the other way on my Kona Dew. I hang out on the largest rings up front. I think I've used the granny once and I don't ride that route on that bike anymore. I think the double is going to give me more usable gears in the range I usually ride. I'm looking forward to the switch.

Deb

Deb - you must have some serious hills where you ride. Yes? Not to mention how beautiful I hear it is out there. So do you like to spin up hill or are you a stander?

I'm headed back to the bike shop to do some more test riding this weekend and focus specifically on gearing up hills. Fortunately, the LBS seems like they will be quite accomodating to whatever works for me.

[blackhillsbiker]

We do have some serious hills, but I don't ride them on this bike. It's my commuter. I'm not much of a spinner in any case. Most of the hill riding I do on the MTB (29er). I appreciate the wide range of gearing on that bike. I've had a lot of trouble with the derailleur on the Dew. I was going to just upgrade components. When we (the LBS guy and I) started talking about the gears I use on that bike, and the type of riding I use it for, we decided a double would be much less frustrating for me. You're right. An accommodating and helpful LBS is important. I'm glad yours is working with you to achieve the bike that will fit you best.

It's beautiful out here. You should visit sometime.

Deb