Specialized Dolce/Road Bike Questions

[luv2climb]

Luv2climb, did another mechanic vet your gearing change? It does seem like a huge jump from middle to small ring. Why not change out the middle ring too? Geez, even on my regular road triple the middle ring is a 39. Seems like a 36 would be more in line with mountain gearing.

Sorry it took me so long to get back to this thread, there's been a lot going on lately.

Last year I tried to buy the smallest middle ring possible at the LBS, but they semi-condescendingly told me that my 24t small chainring should be enough and that they would have to order another chainring (typical response from retailers in this oversized cowtown! ). I will try once more to get a smaller middle ring.

[CycleChica28]

Wow! Thanks for all of the wonderful tips, you've all been extremely helpful and informative. Now, I need to hit up area stores, google and Craigslist to start testing some options out and to get a proper fitting. I'm 5'2 and about 140, so when I was fitted for my Giant FCR three years ago the specialist sized me at an XS frame. Can't wait to find the road bike I've always wanted! Thank you ladies!