I have done thr "Triple" several times. My bike has a 50/34 and 12-27 and was perfect for that route. As Valygrl stated lighter the better the climbs are just long, the best part are the screaming downhills.One tip, take rain gear! There is always a afternoon shower in the mountians more often than not. In fact 1 of the rides 80% of the riders abandoned by Idaho Springs due to rain and cold. Alot of hypothermia that day. I have never been that cold before, to the point of uncontrolable shakes. We took shelter in a small coffee shop in Idaho Springs, the place looked like it was viberating due to the shivering people. This is a great ride most of the time..........Have fun!