Originally Posted by
Timtruro
I have a Roubaix elite triple with 105 gearing. Thinking of upgrading to Ultra 6800 with a double. I've noticed that companies are getting away from triples, and the new bikes with doubles but a wider gear range in the rear that seem to negate the need for the granny gear. What do you think, worth the investment?? Cost is about $560 if I do the work.
I would say no. Why spend $560 for something that, maybe, isn't even as good as what you have? It is too bad Shimano is no longer making high end triples. I understand why, because with 10 and 11 speed cassettes, a triple crankset seems like overkill. That said, for many cyclists over 50, a 50 - 34 crankset is not optimal. If I had to switch over to a compact double, I might consider something like a 46 - 30, or 44 - 30 crankset. Why? Because with an wide range cassette of 11 - 32, you have a low gear of 25 gear inches and a high gear of 107 gear inches, plus 3 more useful gears in the middle when using the 44 tooth chainring compared with a 50 tooth chainring.