Biking in Colorado--Question and dilemma

[TigerMom]

First, do advanced beginner to intermediate riders ever ride a double crankset in the mountains of CO? I rode a compact double last year in Glacier and had no problems. I worry about the altitude in CO (and some very big climbs!) If recommended, I could rent a bicycle with a triple. I like to climb, I'm just not fast or strong.

Second, the dilemma: I have two bicycles that I could take on my trip

1. Cervelo--Very light, stiff bike with standard double cranks (53/39, 11-26)
2. Cannondale Synapse--Bike that weighs about 3 lbs more than the one previously mentioned, but with compact double (50/34, 11-28)

Thank you for any input and opinions!

Personally, I cannot imagine using a standard double cranks going up mountains. You must be athletic!!!
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[skinimini]

Personally, I cannot imagine using a standard double cranks going up mountains. You must be athletic!!!
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

I wish! Middle-aged and crappy knees. Before TE, I never even knew about triple cranks, but then I don't regularly ride Mtns. For this trip, my dilemma--lighter bike, harder gearing or heavier bike, easier gearing. I'm gonna see if I can get the best of both worlds.

[indysteel]

Do you know what accounts for the extra weight of your Cannondale? If it's the wheels, can you swap wheels with your Cervelo? The conventional wisdom I often hear is that rolling weight savings make a bigger difference than frame or non-rolling weight.

[skinimini]

Do you know what accounts for the extra weight of your Cannondale? If it's the wheels, can you swap wheels with your Cervelo? The conventional wisdom I often hear is that rolling weight savings make a bigger difference than frame or non-rolling weight.

Even swapping the wheels, it'll still be heavier. The cervelo has a much lighter frame. I don't have high end wheels--Mavic Ksyrium Elite. Fulcrum 7s on the Cannondale. I do plan to switch out the wheels. I think the thing that could help the most is getting rid of a few on my body (and stepping up the training)!

[Crankin]

Personally, I'd go for the lower gearing.
I'm almost 59 years old. While my knees are fine and I do ride lots of steep, shorter hills, the only "mountains" I've done have been in Europe, all done on a 12-25 rd and a triple. I now have 2 bikes. One is a triple with an 11-28 rear cassette and the other a compact with a mountain bike rear cassette, 11-34. I've been riding the bikes about an even amount in the last couple of months. What I notice, is that when I ride up my street and driveway (between an 8-15% grade), my triple is starting to feel "harder." It's not that I can't do the climb, or I am any slower, it just feels harder. If I were on a tour and having to climb mountains, I would want the comfort of the lower geared bike. I see those extra gears as insurance. I don't necessarily always use the lowest gears on my bike with the mountain derailleur, but I sure like knowing they are there. And my lower geared bike does weigh a bit more. Not much, but it just doesn't seem to make any difference.

[Becky]

Why not do both? Lower the gearing and swap over the lighter wheelset

[skinimini]

Why not do both? Lower the gearing and swap over the lighter wheelset

Gonna try to do this tomorrow.