roadandmountain

OK, here's my latest entry:

1. Trek 2.3 2009 or 2010 C, with the compact replaced by a triple. Is that fairly easily accomplished?

2. Bianchi Bravo
edit: includes an 8 speed group called 2300, which I've never seen spec'ed anywhere.

3. Bianchi Imola
edit: spec'ed as a triple, which I like.

Anyone have any experience with any of these bikes?

ptle

Its a little bit harder to go from a compact to a triple than it is the other way. You would have to replace the left shifter, which means new cables and possibly housing. I think the FD should work, you may just have to adjust the limit screws.

roadandmountain

The lowest gear on the Bianchi triples is 30X25.

The lowest gear on the Trek compact is 34X27.

So the lowest gear is actually relatively close. If I picked up a Trek triple, the lowest gear would be 30X27; lower, but I think the 34X27 should be sufficient?

I have not ridden consistently in quite some time, mind you, that's why I'm "sweating" the gearing, literally.

teterider

My wife rides a compact with 34x29, a hair lower than the normal spec 30x25 triple. Of course you can increase the cassette on a triple too, but, dream bike + triple = You should be in touring forum.

roadandmountain

Hmmm, I like, I like....!

simonaway427

2300 is one teir below Sora. Its their entry level gruppo. I have it on my Specialized Tricross and it does just fine. Its not lightning quick or precise like 105 or higher, but it does the job. It also has the thumb shifters instead of the paddles.