bhkyte

I know this comment was proberly directed at the OP, but..........

As a poor student I used what was cheaply available,although I preferred the 3X9 as it could be mated to road STI. The 3X9 works fantastic on the black bike ,I would not swop the set up for anything. It is a fast road bike with reasonable aerodynamics, close ratio gears that change quickly,carbon crank and has clippless peddles. All the range of gears get used and it is slick changing and braking,but extremely versatile package. The set up is less optimum on the gold bike for its intended use as a general bike. I might tinker with it ,but there is little point really,it works well enough as a back up bike when folding size may be important.