79spartan

Hi, I am a newbie to road bikes. I am considering buying a bike with following components:

Crankset FSA Carbon Pro Compact
Chainwheel 50/34
Front Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Rear Cogs Shimano 105, 10-speed: 12-25
Shifters Shimano Ultegra STI

My question is, I really need a triple for the type of riding I will be doing. Lots of hills. Bike shop has told me all I need to do is change the crankset and one of the shifters. Is this true? How much will this cost?

Thanks

HillRider

You will need a new triple crank, a new bottom bracket, a new left shifter and probably a new front derailleur. The rear derailleur will work but will be beyond it's nominal chain wrap capacity. It's going to cost a LOT.

A much cheaper change would be to fit a 12x27 cassette which will help somewhat.

Buy a properly equipped bike from the start.

As to whether you need a triple, only you know your strength, experience and the terrain you will ride in.

fmw

I agree. A 12/27 cassette should work nicely for you.

steelforme

I vote compact!

songfta

Count me in with the compact double set with the 12-27 cassette.

Kinda makes me wish that Shimano had 10-speed XTR sets, if only for the ability to get an 11-30 setup. However, I can't imagine a 10-speed setup doing well in the land of muck and mire.

NFields

Get the 12-27 when you purchase the bike. You will not know the difference in a 30-25 -vs- a 34-27. Also, you will get stronger very quickly and down the road you will looking to sell the triple anyway.

NFields

Just left an Ultegra triple for an FSA Energy compact, running a 10 speed front der, older 9 speed Ultegra rear der, and 9 speed triple shifters on the double crankset. I would say that is about a 3 year mix of parts not supposed to work, but they do fine!

gpelpel

Another vote for the Compact and 12-27 cassette.
I switched from a triple to a compact with wider cassette and love it. Much simpler to setup and use.

ggusta

Couple questions, how hilly is "lots of hills"? What kind of shape are you in? Age/weight?

Here's my history, got a great deal on a bianchi with triple 105 (9 speed) 30-42-52 and 12-27 in back, the 1st year, (last year), I actually wanted lower gears riding in somewhat hilly North Raleigh NC, I weigh 245 and am 40+ y.o. 5' 10". Worked on base all winter, this year I hardly ever use the 30 tooth ring, I mean RARELY, it's nice to have it there, and if you live in REAL mountains or only ride once in a while, then a triple probably will be of use but otherwise I just think it's unnecessary if you already have a 34/50 compact if you are riding regularly. I have a bad knee, too and riding in the 42 at a higher cadence and lower gear in back is sufficient to keep tendonitis in check. Long car rides create more discomfort than riding up hills.

Go work on base, slow down a little on the hills, switch to a 27 tooth in back and ride a lot (min. 100 miles/week). A year from now you'll wonder why you ever wanted lower gears.