chainring: triple vs. compact double

[SnappyPix]

Quote:
Originally Posted by caligurl

i think a LOT of the pushiness with compact for the guys is their ego.. they can't stand to think they need a triple.. so they will lose gears on their top end to get those easier gears... i don't have that ego problem... i have a triple... and i use it!

And THERE in a nutshell is what a compact crank is all about!!!!!

Sorry, but beg to differ.
Maybe there is an element of ego with some cyclists, but if you're serious about your cycling, ultimately it should be a question of the gear combinations you're comfortable with.
It seems to work for Ivan Basso ...

"A particularly interesting product from FSA to be launched for 2006 is the K-Force MegaExo Compact chainset. CSC's Ivan Basso used an FSA SLK Compact chainset with 50X36 chainring combination in last season's Giro d'Italia and Tour De France, riding to stage wins in the Giro and a superb runner-up spot behind seven time Tour winner Lance Armstrong in France. This marks the first time a rider using a compact chainset equipped bicycle has been on the podium in a Grand Tour."
http://www.cyclingnews.com/sponsors/fsa/2006/2006.php

Obviously, Basso didn't choose the compact over a triple - but he chose a compact over a double - in the world of professional racing, this equates to the same cardinal sin - and it seems that many are now following in Basso's footsteps, rather than pointing and laughing at him.

[maillotpois]

Postal used triples on the Angliru in the Vuelta and people are talking about possibility of using triples for the Plan de Corones Wednesday.

When folks first started using compacts in pro racing (first one I heard of was Tyler Hamilton in the 2003 TdF), people did sort of scoff at that. But then looking at the results... more folks are going to compacts. Interesting that Basso is using it and Hamilton/CSC was first I am aware of to use it before. I think Bjarne Riis is brilliant.

[SnappyPix]

Saw "Overcoming" a few months ago - brilliant film, and I have had only the greatest admiration for Bjarne Riis since then.
I really hope that CSC wipe the boards at the Giro and the TdF.

[maillotpois]

I have Overcoming, and have not yet watched it. I did watch Hell on Wheels. Amazing. Love Zabel SO SO much.

[SnappyPix]

Yeah, saw Hell on Wheels too - Zabel comes across as such a sweet, sweet guy. Really hope he does well with Milram, as T-Mobile really shafted him.
He makes me laugh though, as every single photo I've seen of him, (especially in the Milram team colours), he looks as though his head has been stuck on someone else's body, and will start rocking from side to side like some sort of animation - I think it's his flat top hair cut!
Overcoming is a great insight into the human aspect of the riders, and how they battle to balance the physical and emotional aspects of their lives.
Sure you'll love it.

[jobob]

I have Overcoming, and have not yet watched it.

Oooooh, when you've seen it, can I borrow it, pleeze pleeze pleeze? Unless of course it's a rental.

I could bring you back some DARK CHOCOLATE DIPPED FUDGE from SLC if that would sweeten the deal. As it were.

[maillotpois]

Oooooh, when you've seen it, can I borrow it, pleeze pleeze pleeze? Unless of course it's a rental.

I could bring you back some DARK CHOCOLATE DIPPED FUDGE from SLC if that would sweeten the deal. As it were.

Absolutely!! Would you like to also borrow Hell on Wheels?? It's fantastic. ALthough now I cannot get the Zabel as bobble head image out of my head (Thanks for that SnappyPix).

[SnappyPix]

Absolutely!! Would you like to also borrow Hell on Wheels?? It's fantastic. ALthough now I cannot get the Zabel as bobble head image out of my head (Thanks for that SnappyPix).

Maillotpois - No problem ...

Here's something to take your mind off it...



Sigh. I have WAY too much time on my hands!

Is it just me, or does anyone else think the Milram riders look like they're wearing baby-grows?! (Not sure what you call them in the US?!)

[jobob]

Absolutely!! Would you like to also borrow Hell on Wheels??

But of course

Gosh, yellow, you need to warn your fine employers that they might have to step up production a bit for that weekend !

but how on earth will I schlep all that chocolate home?