Road bikes - what is it with triple chainrings?
Discussion
I have to say I was a very early adopter back in '96 when I had my bike made up with a Campag Avanti triple groupset (52/42/32 with a 13-23 cassette). The thinking was that I cycled a lot up in the Pennines it seemed sensible, however I found that I prefered the 52/39 combo I had on the older bike, dropping to the tiny ring was just to much and if going up a steep hill I'd hardly have enough speed to keep upright. I see another trend now is the compact chainsets 50/34 type affairs which I'm not entirely convinced about either, and prob no use to me now that I live in the Fens! Still as I haven't sat on a bike for years I'll shut up 
Cheers,
Rob
Cheers,
Rob
Pupp said:
Just looking idly at current kit and wondering why most of the road bikes seem to come specced with wide range triple chainsets these days? No use to a racer or even a fast roadie...
Because the main market for most bikes at the price range you are looking at doesn't include the seriously good roadies who don't need them.Everyone else does, or a compact, because you will become unstuck in the hills or mountains without one.
I am not strong enough to get round a major alpine or hilly UK route without a compact, and I think that is the same for 95% of people.
First bike or new to the sport = compact or triple. Or else you will suffer like a dog.
0836whimper said:
Pupp said:
Just looking idly at current kit and wondering why most of the road bikes seem to come specced with wide range triple chainsets these days? No use to a racer or even a fast roadie...
Because the main market for most bikes at the price range you are looking at doesn't include the seriously good roadies who don't need them.Everyone else does, or a compact, because you will become unstuck in the hills or mountains without one.
I am not strong enough to get round a major alpine or hilly UK route without a compact, and I think that is the same for 95% of people.
First bike or new to the sport = compact or triple. Or else you will suffer like a dog.
The majority of the market would be pushing for easier, more comfortable road bikes to ride to work/ on the weekend.
Those who race or at least compete at lower levels will ime build to their requirements.
what about compacts? they would suffice would they not?
Apparently Pinarello bolted a compact chainset to one of his pros back in the day and he won due having a wider gearing than anybody else on the hills and flats. I tend to stay away from triples due to the wide Q-factor and weight.
Apparently Pinarello bolted a compact chainset to one of his pros back in the day and he won due having a wider gearing than anybody else on the hills and flats. I tend to stay away from triples due to the wide Q-factor and weight.
LRdriver II said:
what about compacts? they would suffice would they not?
Apparently Pinarello bolted a compact chainset to one of his pros back in the day and he won due having a wider gearing than anybody else on the hills and flats. I tend to stay away from triples due to the wide Q-factor and weight.
Q factor for triples is no different to doubles. The inside ring sits closer in and the chain line is virtually the same.Apparently Pinarello bolted a compact chainset to one of his pros back in the day and he won due having a wider gearing than anybody else on the hills and flats. I tend to stay away from triples due to the wide Q-factor and weight.
0836whimper said:
Pupp said:
Just looking idly at current kit and wondering why most of the road bikes seem to come specced with wide range triple chainsets these days? No use to a racer or even a fast roadie...
Because the main market for most bikes at the price range you are looking at doesn't include the seriously good roadies who don't need them.Everyone else does, or a compact, because you will become unstuck in the hills or mountains without one.
I am not strong enough to get round a major alpine or hilly UK route without a compact, and I think that is the same for 95% of people.
First bike or new to the sport = compact or triple. Or else you will suffer like a dog.
Pupp said:
0836whimper said:
Pupp said:
Just looking idly at current kit and wondering why most of the road bikes seem to come specced with wide range triple chainsets these days? No use to a racer or even a fast roadie...
Because the main market for most bikes at the price range you are looking at doesn't include the seriously good roadies who don't need them.Everyone else does, or a compact, because you will become unstuck in the hills or mountains without one.
I am not strong enough to get round a major alpine or hilly UK route without a compact, and I think that is the same for 95% of people.
First bike or new to the sport = compact or triple. Or else you will suffer like a dog.
Also, I don't remember stating I was looking at any particular price point...[/b]
No you didnt state a paticular price point but look beyond &1500 in any catalouge and you'll be able (in most cases)spec triple or double depending on what you prefer so i presumed you were looking at the trek and spesh at 700 mark?
Other than that i think the point still stands people who want to have a bit of fun and get some exercise biet on a morning commute or weekend ride would feel more comfortable with their triple than a double and most likely only wanting to spend between 500 - 800 notes?
Pupp said:
0836whimper said:
Pupp said:
Just looking idly at current kit and wondering why most of the road bikes seem to come specced with wide range triple chainsets these days? No use to a racer or even a fast roadie...
Because the main market for most bikes at the price range you are looking at doesn't include the seriously good roadies who don't need them.Everyone else does, or a compact, because you will become unstuck in the hills or mountains without one.
I am not strong enough to get round a major alpine or hilly UK route without a compact, and I think that is the same for 95% of people.
First bike or new to the sport = compact or triple. Or else you will suffer like a dog.
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