Originally Posted by
creativepart
My new bike (used) has a standard 39/50 double crank. I live in a hilly area and I need some lower gearing. My hybrid has a triple and I'm used to that. I guess there are three ways I could go. But I'm not sure which is "best".
I could change out my standard double for a triple. Or I could change it out for a compact crank. Lastly I guess I could just change the 12/26 9-speed cassette for 12/30 or even 12/32.
I know many of you diehards HATE triples -- but I don't.
What would be best? Or cheapest? Or most sensible?
We really need more info to make a solid recommendation.
What brifters do you have? Will they shift a triple? If not, add $200-300 for new shifters. You will need a new front derailleur.
Cheapest & most sensible? a 12-32 Sram PG-1070 cassette and a long arm rear derailleur.
Much will depend on where you ride, your current fitness, and your riding goals.
If you are young & fit, new to cycling, and planning on training hard, you will adjust to your current crankset. However, if you are like many cyclist, and just want to ride several days a month for fun and you also have very steep hills in your area, you may need a triple or a compact crankset and a 12-32 cassette.