Hi, I bought my bike a year ago with a triple.(52,42,30) It was recommended to me to get the triple for climbing steep hills. It was a good idea at the time since I had not been on a bike in quite a while and never really rode that much anyway.
Well I am pretty much addicted now and ride all the time. I rarely ever use my little ring anymore. This weekend I did my first century. Halfway through was the toughest climb on the ride. A (average)9% grade that rose to 2500 feet over 4.5 miles with the last 1/8 of a mile or so at 15%. Not once did I ever consider getting out of my 42. So I am planning on moving to a double.It just seems to make more sense to me.
My question is what I should shoot for in the rear. Right now I have a 12-25. Someone recommended getting a 12-27 for the really steep climbs. I don't race yet but my fitness is at the point now that I am really thinking about it. Not this year but next when I have more group riding experience and better paceline skills. So should I go for the 12-25 or the 12-27. Oh and am I going to need anything else? Everything on the bike is Ultegra. Can the shifters be set for double or am I going to need them also?
Nick
Well I am pretty much addicted now and ride all the time. I rarely ever use my little ring anymore. This weekend I did my first century. Halfway through was the toughest climb on the ride. A (average)9% grade that rose to 2500 feet over 4.5 miles with the last 1/8 of a mile or so at 15%. Not once did I ever consider getting out of my 42. So I am planning on moving to a double.It just seems to make more sense to me.
My question is what I should shoot for in the rear. Right now I have a 12-25. Someone recommended getting a 12-27 for the really steep climbs. I don't race yet but my fitness is at the point now that I am really thinking about it. Not this year but next when I have more group riding experience and better paceline skills. So should I go for the 12-25 or the 12-27. Oh and am I going to need anything else? Everything on the bike is Ultegra. Can the shifters be set for double or am I going to need them also?
Nick