chainring: triple vs. compact double

[Lifesgreat]

Agreed! I love a guy who's secure enough to use a triple....

Amen! I love my triple man

[kelownagirl]

Amen! I love my triple man

OK, thanks for this thread you guys. I was just having this argument with hubby the other day. I have only been biking for two months after a 20 year hiatus and am quickly trying to get up to speed, so to speak, on all the new stuff that's out there. I am riding a MTB with slicks but lusting after a road bike. Hubby prefers MTBiking and so that's what I ended up buying. I have now decided that if I continue my new love for biking, I am definitely going to buy a road bike next year. Because I am still out fo shape and not strong on the hills, and there are lots around here, I thought I'd want to get a triple. He says "Road bikes don't have triples", rolling his eyes... I said, "So what? I'll look around and find one." I suspect it's just another thing he finds "uncool" about my riding, similar to the "no carriers" rule (or whatever they're called now), and the "no fenders" rule (which seemed really dumb to me today when it rained for the last hour of our ride and I absolutely soaked from the muddy water rooster tail hitting me from in front and behind...).

I finally convinced him I at least needed a bike seat bag after he found himself having to carry all my stuff (cell phone, inhaler, snack bar, etc.) Some men.... argh... (Granted he is an avid mountain biker and doesn't want ANYTHING hanging on his bike that might get snagged on bushes etc..)

[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?!)

[maillotpois]

OMG that is the funniest thing ever! Amazing. I am so impressed that you are able to do that.

[SnappyPix]

Erm, sorry, I seem to have gone a bit off topic (and a bit off the wall!).

Apologies!

[bcipam]

He says "Road bikes don't have triples", rolling his eyes... I said, "So what? I'll look around and find one." I suspect it's just another thing he finds "uncool" about my riding, similar to the "no carriers" rule (or whatever they're called now), and the "no fenders" rule (which seemed really dumb to me today when it rained for the last hour of our ride and I absolutely soaked from the muddy water rooster tail hitting me from in front and behind...).

..)

Triples aren't just for newbie riders... Alt of very experienced riders have come to love triples for so many reasons. It keeps the sport aerobic as opposed to anaerobic. I don't have to stand and push a hill, I can lower my gearing and spin up - although it's still not easy - I still have to push this big butt up a hill! Triples save knees making the climb easier on the joints. And I find myself looking for big hills. The Club guys with double avoid them (well the posers do...). If I were 20, very thin and very strong then I would do the double but eventually everyone comes to understand the purpose of a triple.

[Aggie_Ama]

I love my triple! I am already researching my replacement bike and I will not consider anything without a triple. Although I am getting stronger on climbing, I need my granny gear! DH even said the other day he sometimes wishes he had a triple on those steep climbs.

[cindysue]

Hi Amy -

you've been given a lot of good advice why a triple is preferable to many people. So, I'll chime in for some reasons why you might want to go with the compact and what has and hasn't worked for me.

I've had both and I don't see a huge difference with my compact double but I certainly can't carry loaded panniers up the mountain with it, so I'm buying another bike with touring gears for those few and far between loaded tours. I live in Walnut Creek and my current road bike has the FSA SLK Compact Double mentioned above. I debated sticking with a triple or going to a compact when I bought the bike. I decided to go with the compact double because it was a 10 speed (I suppose there are 10 speed triples) and I really wanted the latest technology on my bike since I plan to keep it for a long time. I also bought it with the thought that I would have to get stronger .

I really love the bike, but I admit I am slow going up hill. I have to pedal pretty hard to get up some of the steeper hills - but I am also still in pre-season shape right now. I did the Holstein 100 last year with this bike and was able to hump it up the big hill while standing and mashing. On the flip side, there are times when I am spinning on the descent (I have a 50-34 which is not a very high gear). And while I am not a downhill diva so I don't consider this a huge loss, I can always go to a 53-39 if I really want a higher gear.

I guess what I am trying to say is - if you are a strong rider, you might want to consider going to the compact. If you want to scream downhill, you might want to consider a higher large ring (53-39). The compact double might also be a good option if you plan on buying another bike with lower gears (as I am now doing).

lots of good advice from everyone. hope this helps....