Double vs triple...

[I Are Baboon]

Is there really a noticable performance difference between double front rings vs triple?? I have a triple and have not used my small ring for three rides now. Granted, my longest road ride has been about 40 miles, but I have not needed the small ring at all and there a few fairly strenuous climbs on our routes. I'm not sure if I should consider getting a double, or keep the triple for a while until I become a more seasoned roadie.

[splat]

As much as I don't believe you need a triple on a road bike. Since you already have it there , you might as well leave it there. and if you do decide to just go with a double. you don't need to replace the crank. just remove the little chain ring, an set the end stops on the derailer.

on the plus side of not having the little chainring , would mean you could put a short cage deraileur on the back , which would in turn make for better shifting.

[Serial Midget]

Just keep you bike the way it is - when you order your Kerry Killing Serotta you can go with the double.

Splat is right though - short cages are crisper.

[Westy]

I have a triple and would get another road bike with it. I road ride primarily for MTB training and like to hit long steep climbs. Having a wide range of gearing best replicates what I have to do on the MTB. Then again I am thinking about putting slicks on my MTB and using it for my road bike, My Litespeed hardtail is actually much lighter than my POS road bike.

[RhinofromWA]

I am running a Dual setup on my MTB w/slicks.

Though I am running 22/34 :D and an Evil Bash ring. lol.

Is it the "look" that would make you not want the small ring? Does it slow you down much at all? I don't know. I am not a road rider in the loosest sense.

I did drop down to the small ring for some long steep road climbs on my MTB, but I am fat and have no lungs. :) If I were to get a road bike I would get a triple....cuz I still need it. Normally for moderate to easy climbs I stay inmy middle ring....though I am using my bail out gear in the rear if the going gets tough.

Don't switch if the crankset does everything you want it to....but has the capacity for a little more.

[Arsbars]

Short cages are crisper.. but I recommend if u even think you'll ever need one. Get it. Once you get tons of rides under your belt you can take off the ring like everyone else said. But that's after tons of rides. Always better to have it then not. :D

[The Toninator]

triples are for wossies.

[Westy]

Doubles are for flatlanders.

[MtnbikeMike]

Doubles are for flatlanders.

Not so...I've ridden some pretty steep stuff w/ my double: on part of this 9 mile climb kicked up to 15% near the end. :thumb:

[Serial Midget]

Doubles are for flatlanders.

I've climbed Mt Rainier on a double with a 42/26 as its lowest gear combo. No problemlo. :D