So I'm considering, well, going to upgrade sometime soon. I have a Shimano Sora Triple 172.5mm in front and 8 speed, I want to move to Shimano 105 but I don't know if it would be wise to go double, I've never used a bike with a double in front. I know I want to move up to 175mm (im 5'6" by the way) and there are a lot of hills in the areas I ride.
Should I stick with the triple because I'm used to it and because of the massive hills in my area? and up with the length of 175? Any suggestions or personal experiences of something similar? Thanks!😕
Originally posted by CaveDog21 Should I stick with the triple because I'm used to it and because of the massive hills in my area?
I have massive (15-20% range) hills in my area too, lots of 'em, I need the triple to keep my cadence right. Wish I didn't. Lots of discussion on this several posts down, you might find that helpful.
Thanks, I have been reading that post about the cranks a few posts down, but when I found something pertinent to what I wanted it was a little confusing with the way things were explained. Oh well, thanks tho!😄
Originally posted by CaveDog21 So I'm considering, well, going to upgrade sometime soon. I have a Shimano Sora Triple 172.5mm in front and 8 speed, I want to move to Shimano 105 but I don't know if it would be wise to go double, I've never used a bike with a double in front. I know I want to move up to 175mm (im 5'6" by the way) and there are a lot of hills in the areas I ride.
Should I stick with the triple because I'm used to it and because of the massive hills in my area? and up with the length of 175? Any suggestions or personal experiences of something similar? Thanks!😕
I don't know how anyone could tell you what kind of gearing you need. It's about gear inches which is an easy enough concept and Sheldon Brown has charts at www.harriscyclery.com, as well as your fitness and % grade, and your current gearing and what you have to use,which no one here knows either. You ask a deep question and provide no info. What makes you think that at 5'6" you need 175mm cranks?
Originally posted by CaveDog21 So I'm considering, well, going to upgrade sometime soon. I have a Shimano Sora Triple 172.5mm in front and 8 speed, I want to move to Shimano 105 but I don't know if it would be wise to go double, I've never used a bike with a double in front. I know I want to move up to 175mm (im 5'6" by the way) and there are a lot of hills in the areas I ride.
Should I stick with the triple because I'm used to it and because of the massive hills in my area? and up with the length of 175? Any suggestions or personal experiences of something similar? Thanks!😕
So you have a triple now... do you ever use the inner ring? If so, stick with a triple. If not, go with a double.
If you're at the "kinda-strong-enough-to-wean-yourself-off-a-triple-but-not-really-sure-a-double-will-do" stage, you might also want to consider a compact double crank. These usually come with a 34/50 ringset (as opposed to the common 39/53 double setup)
I have a compact crank and love it. I started with a double and needed some help with the Colorado mtns. However a triple would give a little more versatility when riding flats or hills. You can run a close ratio cassette and have the best of both worlds. If your just looking to upgrade you could go with an ultegra triple and get a stiffer crank and lose some weight. You might have to upgrade the bottom bracket also to a splined setup, although I'm not completely sure about that. Just depends on what you really need and want.
I have a compact crank and love it. I started with a double and needed some help with the Colorado mtns. However a triple would give a little more versatility when riding flats or hills. You can run a close ratio cassette and have the best of both worlds. If your just looking to upgrade you could go with an ultegra triple and get a stiffer crank and lose some weight. You might have to upgrade the bottom bracket also to a splined setup, although I'm not completely sure about that. Just depends on what you really need and want.
