Road Cycling - LBS Question; Converting to a Triple

My LBS ordered a 2003 Klein Q-Pro Carbon for me. I ordered a triple, but when it arrived from the factory, it is a double. I called Klein this morning and was told they only ship them as a double. I understand, but am a little hacked off that the LBS didn't tell me this up front.

My question is: is it a big deal for the LBS to convert it to a triple? How will I know that I'm getting new parts?

Also, is there any point to asking for a specific cassette/crank combination or are they pretty standard? Sorry if these are dumb questions. I'm fairly new to riding and don't know much about components.


Mark

Mark, the LBS can switch your bike over from double to triple without too much difficulty. They should switch the front derailleur, bottom bracket and obviously the crankset. As far as the components go just ask them to swap them with triple versions of the components that came on the bike from Klein.

Post some pics of the new bike whenever you get a chance.

Zack

I work at a LBS, and we always try to keep a double and triple Ultegra groupo on hand for swapping out. We'll usually do it at just the standard up charge for a triple bike (I think triple bikes usually run about $50 more then the double counterparts from Trek/Klein/Lemond) Hopefully your shop will be able to hook you up.

When I got my triple my LBS charged the same as for the double. However I would say that you would need to change your shifters too surely and possibly get a longer cage rear derailleur? Correct me if I'm wrong.

I've also been told that cannondale use the double front derailleurs rather than the triple versions when they make a triple. I'm not sure why but i'm guessing that if it works they're wanting to cut down on number of different parts required?? If this is true then you may not need to replace the front derailleur. However it seems illogical that they should make a triple version of the front derailleur if it is not necessary.

You can ask for a specific crank cassette ration if you want, it depends what you want though. My bike came with a 52,39,30 and a 12-25 cassette. That will pretty much handle everything you need. When racing however i'd prefer a higher combo, maybe either a 53 on the front or an 11 on the back. A 30, 25 will get you up any hill really. If you just wanted a wide variety of gears then you could just stick with the double but get something like a 12-27 cassette with a 52/39 up front.

It all depends how strong you are, how steep your hills are and whether you have knee problems.

The triple takes a longer rear draileur than the double.

You don't need new shifters unless it's Dura Ace. Otherwise, you'll need the new crank and bb, front derailleur, and rear derailleur. Standard upcharge is $50 from the factory, same as what our shop charges in these situations.

me too. I ordered a Trek 5200 full ultegra triple. It came to the lbs with a double. LBS swapped out the bb, front and rear derailers, cranks, and let me have it for the price of the double (saved $30). I don't think the swap out is very hard for an experienced mechanic, so long as they have the parts on hand.

BTW, I would insist that they swap it out. I am not too strong in the hills yet, and the triple has been a lifesaver.