Triple Chainset to Double

[Deleted member 35268]

Am pondering whether to move to a Double chainset. Currently using Triple Shimano Tiagra, 9 speed, not sure the crank length or current ratio exactly.

Anyways, I already have replacement (double) shifter set with right hand 9 speed in black so would look good.

I am certain I can use the same front derailleur, and just tweak the limiters.

So, aside from the pain of setting up a triple, would there be any weight advantage so to speak ?

A few decent discounts around such as http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/shimano-sora-3000-double-chainset-5-arm-9-speed/#pid=34509

Double Ratios
34/50

Current triple (probably) Ratios
30/39/50

Double chainsets certainly seem a little cheaper to buy than triples.

 

[TheDoctor]

I don't have a triple to weigh, but I expect the difference would be about a hundred grams or so. Barely worth the bother?

 

[I like Skol]

I definitely wouldn't. A 34 chainring is actually a bit small for most riding and the step up to the big ring is huge, leaving a bit of an awkward no-mans land in the middle. I have both set-ups and find the triple equipped bike to much more pleasant to ride, keeping the smallest 'granny' ring in reserve for emergencies.

I will bet you £100 you will not notice any weight saving but will notice the flawed gear ratio spread of the compact chainset.

Having said that, you can do it anyway without swapping the left shifter and still utilising the triple front mech, I did it on my MTB and it is indistinguishable from a true 2x set-up. (I didn't do it for weight reasons!)

 

[davidphilips]

2 Old sayings if its not broken dont fix it. Dont do upgrades just ride up grades.

Having said that its your bike your time and your money if you want to change it then do it, i think there would be little real advantage other than personal preference and perhaps even some disadvantage.

 

[Deleted member 35268]

Yeah, you are all right. Someone gave me some cash and I am figuring things to buy with it needlessly.

 

[gavroche]

Don't waste your money, keep your triple , 30 as opposed to 34 makes a huge difference when going up hill.

 

[TheDoctor]

Take your bike away for the weekend. You'll have more fun

 

[I like Skol]

Take your bike away for the weekend. You'll have more fun

Take your bike and your mistress away for the weekend. You'll have even more fun

 

[TheDoctor]

Bike or mistress, surely?

 

[keithmac]

Take your bike and your mistress away for the weekend. You'll have even more fun

Last of the Summer Wine springs to mind!.

 

[I like Skol]

Last of the Summer Wine springs to mind!.

Oooooh Marina!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-29061328

 

[Ajax Bay]

A 34 chainring is actually a bit small for most riding and the step up to the big ring is huge, leaving a bit of an awkward no-mans land in the middle

I find a 34 very useful when the road turns upwards so while a 34t chainring (ie in a 5-34 compact set-up) will be used less than half the time (a third?), it is 'actually' completely necessary. There is no (gear length) "no-mans land". See the link below for the facts. 50/19 is the same as 34/13: plenty of overlap, but as with a triple, double changes are required, but this is an easily acquired skill.
http://www.gear-calculator.com/?GR=...15,17,19,21,24,27&UF=2125&TF=80&SL=2.5&UN=KMH

 

[I like Skol]

A 34 chainring is actually a bit small for most riding....

I find a 34 very useful when the road turns upwards.....

So you agree with me then?

I know the ratios do technically exist and overlap in the spread, but I don't count the frantic multiple shifts required across the cassette sprockets to reach the next ratio you require as a skill to be acquired. It is much more of a compromise that you learn to live with!

 

[Ajax Bay]

Agree? Hmmm. I said "a 34t chainring will be used less than half the time (a third?), it is 'actually' completely necessary". That accords with "A 34 chainring is actually a bit small for most riding" but I think your implication (don't have a 34t) is not valid (since you implicitly ask).
Not only do the ratios exist technically, they exist practically, and double changes are an easily acquired skill,don't have to be "frantic" - that's actually a key point: use the smaller chainring early - but not if you don't want to. I infer that your style of riding is to stay in the large chainring till the death (or almost) and then grudgingly change down, already on a steepening hill (so drivetrain under pressure). I prefer (and advocate the practice of) switching chainrings early, looking ahead to the undulations in the road ahead and take advantage of the closer ratios available in the middle of the cassette, and avoid large/large.

 

[Dec66]

If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, buy a +1 with a compact 50/34 chainset.

Alternatively, give it to me and I'll make good use of it