Road Cycling - how many gears

Hello all,

My LBS says I will be OK with a 10 sp double (20 gears) He said he will use an extra big 29t cage to give me the range I need. (The bike will be a Calfee Luna Pro)

I'm 42 and have been riding since the Spring. I rode about 40 miles on my Hybrid yesterday and was spent at the end.

It seems nice to have a double, but I'm a little worried that I may need the triple someday. I like the hills, but have never used the left #1 on my Hybrid. The lowest I have gone is the #2 on the left and the #1 on the right.

What do you think?
Mike

Originally posted by mikemets5
Hello all,

My LBS says I will be OK with a 10 sp double (20 gears) He said he will use an extra big 29t cage to give me the range I need. (The bike will be a Calfee Luna Pro)

I'm 42 and have been riding since the Spring. I rode about 40 miles on my Hybrid yesterday and was spent at the end.

It seems nice to have a double, but I'm a little worried that I may need the triple someday. I like the hills, but have never used the left #1 on my Hybrid. The lowest I have gone is the #2 on the left and the #1 on the right.

What do you think?
Mike The weight and relative ineficency of a stock hybrid is enough to spend alot of people in 40 miles if they are not fit. The 29 large cog and a 39 small ring on a double gives you 36 gear inches. A 30 smalll ring of a triple and a 23 large cog gives you 35 gear inches.. Larger rear cogs with the triple could give you even lower gears. The way a campy front shifts ,is more user friendly and less of a potential maintenance hassle than the shiano triples. No downside to it if you think you may need it someday. You really should get stronger,especially riding hills.

If you ride in a hilly area and think you even MIGHT need a triple, by all means get one. I would always rather have lower gears than I need than not have the low one when I need it. Once you have been riding for a while and feel like you don't need the triple you can always put a double on if you want to.

Originally posted by RainmanP
Once you have been riding for a while and feel like you don't need the triple you can always put a double on if you want to. Quite true,but alot cheaper to just not use the granny ring.

granny ring


granny ring, oh no! that term is new to me

Originally posted by mikemets5
granny ring


granny ring, oh no! that term is new to me Granny ring....that's the inner or smallest chainring on a triple.Implication being that only an old granny lady with oxyogen bottle would resort to it.(Real men only ride doubles...HaHa) Don't buy that stuff tho. Roberto Herras used a triple to win the toughest climb in the Tour of Spain this year.

Heras' climb was a climb that few mortals would tackle regardless of gearing. What, 25% grade range?

Get a triple. When you're super fit, don't use the granny gear.

My opinion is that a triple is the best choice for 95% of road riders. I base this opinion on 2 simple factors - cadence and hills. Simply put, if you do the math, you will not be able to maintain a relatively high cadence with a double when climbing steep hills. You will; instead, be required to mash the pedals. If you're okay with this, then get the double. If you like a good cadence, and all of the benefits that go with it - healthy knees, efficiency, etc - check your pride @ the door and get the triple.

Also remember, it's MUCH less expensive to convert from a triple to a double, than the other way around.

Good luck with your decision! :)

I bought a road bike in june and that is equipped with a triple.

Since the day I've bought the thing I've used the granny ring once, but believe me that day I was glad it was on the bike, maybe in a few months I'll think about taking it off but just for now it's my comforter.

So I say go for the triple. When you need it you'll be glad it's there.

Don't settle for two if you can have three. More is better than less. ;)

A triple gives you the ability to use a closer range cassette that you use 98% of the time. The inner chainring is there for the times you really need it without having to compromise the rest of your choices. It'll add, what?, 1/4lb. to your bike? My weight fluctuates by more than that from day-to-day.

My triple is my insurance. I rarely use it anymore but when I need it, it's nice to have it.

I'd rather be seen riding up a steep hill in my triple than walking my bike up it.

FIXED, thank you!

Depends on the type of riding and your location. I live in Florida so absolutely no need for a triple down here. Even biking in NC in the mountains I had no need for a lower gear and never touched the largest rear cog.
Just my opinion but think hard whether or no you need the added weight.
Also, a stupid thing to mention but don't mis-align the chain severly by being on the incorrect front/rear gear combination.

I am 53...and ride an old man 10 speed, 39/53 & 13/26 double. I ride with a few people that have triples on the flats and no matter what gear they use, they feel like they're unable to keep up with me.

I also live in a foothill area with some hills that are long and can really hurt... I had found myself walking the last portion of a steep 1/2mi hill up to my home a few times at the end of long rides... I knew once my climbing muscles were in shape, I wouldn't be walking. My ego doesn't drive my character that much, commonsense does. On my last 3 rides, I've staying in the saddle to the top... :)

What would be the best combination on a double in the foothills?