joconnor

Okay, so I've been on this board for a couple of months and already love how much information I have come across from everyone's questions and suggestions.

I'm really starting to fine tune my bike a bit and have been wondering a few things about the cranks. First of all, I'm running a Cannondale R1000 Triple. I definitely understand the obvious difference between a Triple and a Double but what are the advantages to a Double? With a triple, my understanding is that it makes for an easier climb with the extra front gear. Also, I'm not sure of the exact size of my cassette or how many cogs I am running, so is there an easier way to find out other than counting?

I used to race motocross so I am pretty familiar with the effects of increasing the number of cogs and decreasing them when it comes to gearing so I guess another thing I am wondering is how many to jump up or down for a significant difference?

Really looking forward to the answers because it's something I've been a little confused about recently so it would be nice to really get down to it and understand it completely. Thanks

joconnor

Nobody has any input?

johnny99

Advantages of a double:
1. lower weight
2. easier to adjust
3. easier to shift
4. much less likely to drop your chain when shifting
5. costs a little less
6. lower Q-factor
7. looks more OCP
8. if your fitness level allows you to climb all the mountains in your area with a double, then why put up with a triple?

If you need to use the granny gear when climbing, that should answer your question.

The number of teeth on your cassette cogs should be stamped somewhere on each cog, however the number may be hard to see without removing (and cleaning) the cassette.

FrankBattle 

everything johnny99 said.

But I'd qualify 2,3, & 4 a bit: once the derailleur (front) is set up properly, the shifting is no less easy than with a double.

There is nothing wrong with a triple. Whether or not you need it just depends on what kind of riding you do .. or rider you are. If you don't care about being labeled a fred, and you like the extra set of gears you get with the triple, then go for it.

With a [standard] double, you might consider larger cogs (25, or 27 .. or larger), then you can still get pretty low gearing without going with a triple.

Camilo

I think the "ease" or "smoothness" of front shifting being worse with a triple is an urban legand or at best a very, very minor issue. My triple shifts as well as any double I've had - or if it is "worse" it is such an insignificant difference, it is totally lost to me..... IF I keep it adjusted. But that is true for doubles as well. Like all front derailleurs, the shift from the smaller chain wheel to the larger one is the one that can cause problems. Generally it's been my experience, even with index shifting, a person really has to be decisive with those shifts, not just poke the shifter passively. Double or triple. With my triple, the most significant shift is from the small to the middle - and it really isn't any worse than doubles I've had in terms of having to do it properly. I do believe the shift from my middle to the large is smoother than many, if not all, doubles I've had.

The only other possible disadvantage is weight and there's not much of that. But if you don't need it, it is just a waste. If you do need it, it's an insignificant factor, probably less than a few gulps of water.

I really can't believe anyone would give one thought to the "look" of a double or triple. Fredish? To think that is just totally strange to me. Seriously - can anyone tell me they would even think of the "look" rather than the function?

The purpose of the drive train is strictly functional, and if your situation (geography, fitness, style) makes a triple better, what other consideration is there? That said, if you're situation does not have it, there is no reason not to go with a compact double or regular double.

iCapture

Are you kidding. Look at the money people spend just so all their riding attire matches their bike. People want to LOOK like they ride fast. If the granny gear gets you up the hill faster then whats the harm in using it? Im confused.

gmason

Agreed - OCP is one main factor unless you are racing.

And remember: if the bike is to last you a long time, and you get old in the meantime, you might just appreciate the triple a bit more.

Wait a minute, does that describe me? Perhaps that is why I just swapped out my Deda D-Force compact double for a Campa triple. Oh dear.

Campag4life

I will be swapping out my Campag Compact for a triple this winter as well. I prefer a triple and highest and lowest gear ratios has nothing to do with it.