Originally Posted by
ericm979
For the guy with a 9sp ultegra triple, get a smaller granny ring- 28t or 26t- to lower your gearing. I also prefer a 39t middle ring instead of the 42t. It makes the middle ring useable on moderate grades. Make sure it's a middle ring with chain pins on the inside.
I'm the guy with the ultegra 9sp triple. Thanks for the idea, didn't know that was an option. I do have a 39 middle now, it's a 52,39,30. I spend most of my time in that 39 middle, love it. Would I need to deal with a new chain for a smaller combination if I changed the small ring to a 28 or 26 which would give me 28/25 or 26/25? My lbs infered that if I upped my cassette to a 27 or 28 I'd need a new longer chain. I've got a new chain right now so would rather not. The smaller inner ring sounds like a dandy idea. Will look into that.