Originally Posted by
chasm54
I don't really follow the logic here as far as strength is concerned. The whole point of having the small ring is so you can run a tight-ratio cassette without being particularly strong. And, of course, as you point out (and was suggested earlier) one can always go smaller on the small ring for extra range. Plus, the 39 middle ring will offer the less strong rider a nice range when on more flat ground. Goldfinch was saying that she was rarely in the big ring...
+1. On one of my bikes I've got an 8 speed 11-32 and I notice when the jumps are too large. I do very much have gear inch ranges that are over a factor of 6 (and even then I really want both higher and lower).
Originally Posted by
chasm54
IYes, on this point I agree with you both. It will be cheaper to stick with the double and install a long-cage rear mech and a big cassette. I just think it makes for a much less enjoyable riding experience.
+1.
Originally Posted by
goldfinch
I would go for the lower gearing on the triple, otherwise as you said, the pay off isn't significant enough.
Additional training may get me a little further but I think I have to face the fact that I simply am not a strong rider. Fifty six years of sitting on my rear getting obese is not a good place to start. I have two years of riding, am now of normal weight, but I am still the last one up the hill.
What I need to think about is whether to move up the date where I get a custom build and just leave the Madone alone. Or, whether to buy a group set, put it on the Madone, and then move it to the custom frame in a year. And, I need to talk to my fitter about my "narrow stance."
Sounds like you know what you need to know and need to decide how to go. If you are pretty sure you're going for a custom frame that won't be built up, then I'd vote for doing it now. After moving the triple drivetrain to your new bike, you'll have almost enough parts to put the Madone back as it was for either selling or a bike for a friend. (Note how easily I spend your money
).
And, there are plenty of people who are strong riders who very much prefer triples. I agree that for a given terrain, the more training you do, the higher a gear you can do it in. But there's always a bigger, longer hill somewhere else and it's good to be prepared.