Wow, back on topic, didn't think that would be possible. Of course no new ground is being covered here, just the same tired old arguments.
Originally Posted by
DArthurBrown
This question comes up all the time. The only arguments against triples are weight and "shifting performance". The performance argument is a non argument. If the triple front setup is aligned properly, triple setups work just as well between the larger two chainrings as do doubles, because the shape of triple front derailleur is different. The problem is that people adjust them incorrectly--including bike mechanics in boutique stores that exclusively stock bikes with doubles...
Shifting performance is a very big catch-all. It also includes issues of poor chainline, q-factor, increased chances of dropped chains, more difficult to set up properly to work well in all 3 rings, more front shifting required to go through the same range of gearing as a double with a wide casstte, etc, etc.
Originally Posted by
DArthurBrown
The weight argument is true but completely negligible--the increased weight makes no difference.
Weight always makes a difference. It's just a question of how much, at what cost, and is it important.
Originally Posted by
DArthurBrown
To me, the only negative about a triple is the increased cost and pain of finding replacement chainrings and such on ebay. If you don't have hills big enough to need the small ring, than a double might be more cost-effective.
To you, sure. Obviously other people don't feel the same way.
Originally Posted by
DArthurBrown
But when you need that small ring for a long, sustained climb, you are really glad you have it. And if you don't have the small ring and really need it, you'll swear to yourself right then and there that your next crankset will be a triple.
Or you'll swear that your next cassette will have a larger cog
Originally Posted by
DArthurBrown
Compact doubles come close, but there are still many hills in Oregon that absolutely require that 30t small ring.
That is completely false. There may be hills for which
you require a 30t small ring, but the
hill does not require any particular gearing.