Originally Posted by
ravenmore
Why a triple crank?
A few different reasons. 52x11 is 124 vs 119 gear inches of a 50x11. I ride with a tandem a fair amount and on long descents I don't spin out as fast. Same when riding with taller cyclists hammering in 53x11. Having used 50, 52, 53 outer rings I actually like the ratio of the 52 the best. The bike came with 52/36 11-28 which I used for several months before changing over.
Most climbs I use the 39 with an 11-26 cassette. For extended 12% and up I'll switch to the 30. 52/39/30 11-26 is about the same as 50-34 11-26 with one higher and one lower gear. I also don't have to shift as much as I would with a 50/34 setup. The 6703 Ultegra shifts fast, really fast. Much better up front than 2008 Chorus with a compact which I had on my Pedal Force frame.
It works for me.