LHT commuter--double vs triple crank?
04-02-14, 03:24 PM
#26
Keepin it Wheel
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04-02-14, 04:01 PM
#27
Senior Member
I live in the Bay Area too. I've used a double on a Cross Check for several years, either a 48/36 or a 46/34 with an 11-34 cassette. It's all I need for normal commuting/riding, but I also use it for occasional short tours. I managed ok with the double, but the loaded climbs really had me thinking about a triple. I finally made the conversion just recently. I certainly miss the relative simplicity of the double for normal riding, but that's the tradeoff for easier climbing during tours/bike camping.
04-02-14, 05:14 PM
#28
curmudgineer
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In my fleet of doubles, with crossover gearing, and triples set up as single-step or half-step plus granny, I find the triples less complicated to shift, as I use the granny very rarely (but it sure is great to have it when you need it!).
04-03-14, 06:55 AM
#29
Fork and spoon operator
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I use a single 36 ring in front (11 to 32 in back). I never feel like I'm out of gears. I don't do it for weight-- I do it because it makes cleaning and maintenance so much easier.
04-03-14, 10:43 AM
#30
afraid of whales
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I'd find that combo fine when I lived where it's flat and less than 1000ft elevation. Here in CO it can really help to have some lower gears, esp with a couple of growlers or a load or groceries. OP is in San Francisco, I understand they have a few hills there....
