Is it true nobody makes triple cranksets anymore?

[awm03]

OK, thanks everybody. I'm feeling a little better. I'll keep in mind a mountain bike "compact double" .

[Owlie]

Triples, for some reason, seem to be only available on the low-end bikes. (Mine is a *very* entry-level bike from a couple years ago, and it came with a triple). They certainly still make higher-end triples, but it's getting hard to find them. I live in southwest Ohio--pretty hilly, and a triple is certainly helpful. I don't think I've ever used my small ring, apart from one particular hill, but it's nice knowing that it's there!

I don't know why they're no longer making triples widely available. Weight savings, perhaps, combined with the fact that cassettes are expanding (widely available 10-speeds, and I believe there's an 11-speed out there). I have no idea. (If anyone wants to enlighten me, feel free!)
NyBiker, last time I checked (this summer), you could get a Madone with a triple, but you had to do it through the Project One thing...

Anyway, try it. You may surprise yourself. If you find yourself missing those lower gears, consider the mountain bike double. (You'll have to replace the shifter if you want the triple. That gets pretty pricey!)

[Susan]

My mtb has a triple chainring, DHs mtb a double. I can feel no difference in the lowest gears. His highest gear is a little less strong than mine, but honestly I seldom use my highest gear, only downhills (where it doesn't really matter anyway).
The double is easier to handle (and easier to keep clean), I like it better. If I could choose, I'd go for the double.

[OakLeaf]

Actually the alloy version of the Synapse 5 comes with an optional triple. So I'm sure your LBS could swap it out for you. Most LBS will do that for only the difference in cost between the components (though a few will charge you full boat ).

I'm one of those who can't handle large jumps between gears. That, rather than your low gear, is the real reason to choose a triple over a compact. If you're comfortable with sudden large changes in RPM, then you should be fine with a compact. If not, think about the triple.

[Catrin]

I love my triple, and it is on all of my bikes - including my custom bike. I understand some LBS staff will try very hard to convince you that triples are no-longer needed, but I disagree with that. My own LBS disagrees with that, which is nice. We all have different needs - I don't like the long jumps between gears, and my legs really like the triple. My 2011 mountain bike has a 10-speed triple, not that I can actually use all those gears just yet

It is nice there are choices, choices are good

[Owlie]

Actually the alloy version of the Synapse 5 comes with an optional triple. So I'm sure your LBS could swap it out for you. Most LBS will do that for only the difference in cost between the components (though a few will charge you full boat ).

I'm one of those who can't handle large jumps between gears. That, rather than your low gear, is the real reason to choose a triple over a compact. If you're comfortable with sudden large changes in RPM, then you should be fine with a compact. If not, think about the triple.

This is me. I have difficulties enough with the 8-speed cassette. (It's got climbing gears and gears for going really fast, and (to my legs) nothing in between.)