Originally Posted by
DaveSSS
I don't have that much low range because I don't need it. The key is to get the range you need for your power to weight ratio. I have that. There's no climb in my area that I can't handle. I have the same top gear as a race bike with a 53/11. I've got a 10-33 cassette on order to drop some of my low end. I've gained enough strength to ride 10% grades with a 31/32 seated or 31/24 standing. If I want to take it easy, I use my 31/36. I have two identical bikes, so I can pick the 33 or 36 lowest gear.
Which is why I said what I said. The importance of having a triple depends on your use. Quite frankly, and 10% grade is not much compared to what is around my area. I have 15% grades within an eighth of a mile, and within a mile, there are some in the low 20s, and though I don't do it much anymore, I used to do all my errands on the bike, including Lowes and Home Depot, even carrying the propane tank when needed. In touring, I have weight to deal with as well, so triple is very nice.