Not Exactly Maintenance

[RoadRaven]

SO, WrensMom just got this new Bianchi beauty (the paint is LOVELY! makes me think, there, that's the one for me!) and she said it's got a triple on the front. This I get, cuz this I got on mine. But some of the road bikes don't got this? Or is it that lots of the road bikes don't got this?

I have a training bike and a race bike, and they are both doubles - I don't want a triple. You will find that many women-specific/designed bikes have a triple. The triple ensures that it is much easier to climb a hill.

Now, I GET that weight is important to roadies. I get that a triple would weigh more than just two, so that could be an issue. But for the average Jane, which is "better" and why?

With less than two years of cycling under my... shorts?... (don't wear a belt - ah, unless thats under my HRM belt) I am approaching being a "serious" cyclist according to some. I prefer a double because of vanity and because I believe I would just confuse myself with three, and by not having a triple i have to and do climb hills faster than I would/have on a triple.

The other thing I noticed -- she got "Campy." I'm guessing that this is instead of Shimano? And from what I've read here, it sounds like this is a VERY good thing -- again, why?

This is the kind of question you would find in cars - Falcon or Holden? BMW or Merc? Porsche or Volkswagon? Its about components, materials, reputation etc etc.

Then of course, there's the pedals thing.

The pedals that you clip in and out of with cleats attached to the sole of your cycling-specific shoes will enable you to bike faster on the flat, and give you more "oomph" when climbing. Once used to them, most people never want anything else. I have never like the idea of strapping myself in with buckles and straps - too hard to get out of in a rush - I'm not that coordinated. But with cleats you can just twist your toes and you are free (I recommend "LOOK" )

I'll take whatever information y'all have to give as it comes, and probably come up with more questions as I learn, eh?

Keep looking round the site, Kano... use the search engine and join in convos... its a really useful site with a wealth of knowledge on tap here.

Raven