I know this is the touring forum but was wondering if anyone here has done the Triple Bipass ride in Colorado. I'm planning on doing it with future son-in-law and was wondering about gearing. My road bike has a 50/39 up front with 11-28 cassette. As there is near 11,00 feet of climbing over 120 miles should i consider a "triple"?? Thanks

Depends on how fit you are and how much load you're carrying.

And you just gave me a name for the only bike I own that has a triple crank! Triple Bipass! Brilliant!

Yes, I've done it. There's not much that's very steep, but it's an awful lot of climbing at altitude. A Compact or Triple drive train with a rear gear around 28 or 30 is the most common choice. Also, it really is a supported ride, don't bring a heavy tour bike with racks & stuff, a light road bike is better.

Thanks, I will probably rent a bike out there, checked a few shops and they all said that the rental bikes have doubles, 50/34 with 11-28, and assured me that should be OK, the last time I was in Colorado I was on a touring bike with gear (75 lb) doing the mountain passes so I'm looking at going up them again at a speed faster than 4-6 mph.

I have done thr "Triple" several times. My bike has a 50/34 and 12-27 and was perfect for that route. As Valygrl stated lighter the better the climbs are just long, the best part are the screaming downhills.One tip, take rain gear! There is always a afternoon shower in the mountians more often than not. In fact 1 of the rides 80% of the riders abandoned by Idaho Springs due to rain and cold. Alot of hypothermia that day. I have never been that cold before, to the point of uncontrolable shakes. We took shelter in a small coffee shop in Idaho Springs, the place looked like it was viberating due to the shivering people. This is a great ride most of the time..........Have fun!

Oh , no Open Heart surgery involved.. n/m..

Which is what I feel like I need when I have to shift into the small ring! LOL

50/34 and 12-28 did it for me. Sure, people passed me a lot, but it was a fantastic ride -- Registration is already filling up fast:

"Registration is now CLOSED for the Saturday, July 14, 2012 ride. Registration for the Sunday, July 15, 2012 ride and the Double Triple remain OPEN (space is limited)."

https://www.teamevergreen.org/triple

Thanks for the replys, doing the Sunday ride,