Originally Posted by
RobE30
Is a triple crank really needed for a bike that won't be used for any heavy "touring"? I'm paper building at this point my dream bike (separate thread as things progress) and I have most ideas figured out except the cranks. I was thinking something along the lines of TA cranks (like these)
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C1XrRVl3W8...nk+3+small.jpg
I'm just not sure if I need a granny gear. Thoughts?
As at least one other has said, it depends on where you live and ride. In Florida or Kansas, 2 gears are overkill. Around here (east slope of the Cascades), or in the Rockies, too many gears is never enough. And one's build and climbing ability matter too: 5'8", 100lb, lungs the size of Texas? 53/42x11-19 should get you through the Alps just fine. At 6'3" and 185-190 lb, let's just say I'll never be a threat to Contador or the Schleck bros, so 46/28x12-28 is my default gearing. So the short answer is, you just gotta try a bunch of stuff and figure out what works for you. Simple, but not easy.
SP
Bend, OR