Originally Posted by
curdog
I've been talking to my LBS about building a touring rig. I plan to use it primarily for mountain tours. The LBS is suggesting to use a double as opposed to a triple. He is of the opinion that a triple is a hassle to keep in adjustment and that the same basic spread of gears could be obtained with a double. ... The one bike that I do currently own with a triple, seems to suffer from dropped chains quite a bit.
Sounds like it's time for a new LBS and a new mechanic. Can this guy not adjust a triple because the oldest bike he ever had was a compact double, and all the installation he's done is taking new bikes out of boxes and assembling them -- i.e., a high school kid with high self-esteem?