OP
OP
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
Thank you AFS, you're wonderful! And yes, it does help. Lots and lots. 
Thinking that n+1 = road bike...
- Thread starter coffeejo
- Start date
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Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
Thank you AFS, you're wonderful! And yes, it does help. Lots and lots.
Thanks very much
Hope you enjoy the new bike
OP
OP
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
You know when you suddenly shift from listing the reasons why you shouldn't to listing the reasons you should... 
Angelfishsolo
A Velocipedian
- Location
- Cwmbach, South Wales
You know when you suddenly shift from listing the reasons why you shouldn't to listing the reasons you should...
Oh yes, all too well
You can work out the effect of any chain ring/sprocket combination using this tool
Gear Calculator
Most good bike retailers should be happy to fit you with a different range cassette to the one the bike is advertised with, so for example if you do a lot of hill work, but do not want to go down the triple route, then you could look at having a 13-28 or even a 13-32 cassette fitted.
Gear Calculator
Most good bike retailers should be happy to fit you with a different range cassette to the one the bike is advertised with, so for example if you do a lot of hill work, but do not want to go down the triple route, then you could look at having a 13-28 or even a 13-32 cassette fitted.
OP
OP
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
Thanks, VamP. I want to support my LBS (1. they're great, 2. they do 4 free services a year for bikes purchased from them) so I'll mooch down there tomorrow and accidentally see what they've got and what alterations, if any, they could make...
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
Re hills and triples.
With sram apex you do not need a triple as your lowest gear is 34x32, you can pretty much go up a wall with it , suprsingly it has taught me to spin better at higher gears as well as i can be spinning along mid cassette at 20 mph and i do not get into the top end unless we are chain ganging or going down hill full warp.
The gaps between the gears are not that much of an issue either unless your full on racing and want a close ratio block i always had the right gear for what i want.
With sram apex you do not need a triple as your lowest gear is 34x32, you can pretty much go up a wall with it , suprsingly it has taught me to spin better at higher gears as well as i can be spinning along mid cassette at 20 mph and i do not get into the top end unless we are chain ganging or going down hill full warp.
The gaps between the gears are not that much of an issue either unless your full on racing and want a close ratio block i always had the right gear for what i want.
Baggy
Cake connoisseur
- Location
- Where the chevrons are
The Specialized Dolce seems to have quite a few fans - Mrs. Smokeysmoo has just got a nice example of one. Re the triple, I can get up most of the hills on my road bike with a compact double that I can on my heavier bike with a triple...but can't spin up as well and am not sure my knees thank me for it. I appreciate having a few extra gears, especially on longer rides.
potsy
Rambler
- Location
- My Armchair
Go for a triple Jo, you might not need the very lowest gears but it's good to know they are there if you do
How's the dog gonna keep up now?
How's the dog gonna keep up now?
rockyraccoon
Veteran
Ah, yes, good point£800 would be my absolute limit.
Depending on the bike you choose you might want to upgrade some parts such as wheels, saddle, tyre, etc
400bhp
Guru
Go for a triple Jo, you might not need the very lowest gears but it's good to know they are there if you do
How's the dog gonna keep up now?
I have a triple and have lowered the ratios on the cassette (12-23 IIRC), which means I have a much closer ratio of gears. Much better for me personally. Before I did this (bike came with 12-28 IIRC) I used the granny ring once in the first 6 month of ownership. Now it's used much more frequently.
tongskie01
Active Member
- Location
- blackpool england
make sure you get shorter cranks.
OP
OP
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
Popped into my LBS earlier and have arranged to test ride an Orbea Aqua Dama TTG next week. Couldn't go today as they didn't have a small enough frame in stock
And they'll put a triple on for me, whatever I buy. Apparently it's a popular request, given that we're surrounded by the Quantocks, Brendons and Blackdowns!
And they'll put a triple on for me, whatever I buy. Apparently it's a popular request, given that we're surrounded by the Quantocks, Brendons and Blackdowns!
