Advice on best triple

[keithk]

I have a Specialzed Roubaix Comp which I love but even being pretty fit my recent trips to the Lake District clearly show that I need a triple in order to make some of the passes realistic climbs for me.

I have a reasonable budget - up to around £2500 and am looking for something that is geared towards being capable of climbing as opposed to a bike with a triple bolted on.

I have discussed with the Specialized Concept store whose advice was that 'compacts have virtually made triples redundant' but for my legs this is not the case.

Any advice much appreciated.

 

[HLaB]

What size of cassette are you using?

 

[Flying Dodo]

I have discussed with the Specialized Concept store whose advice was that 'compacts have virtually made triples redundant' but for my legs this is not the case.

That's a stunningly daft comment for a shop supposedly trying to sell bikes to make to you, as a triple would give you access to a whole range of lower gears. Although you've commented about not wanting a bike with a triple bolted on, bearing in mind you already have a very good bike with a light frame, it would of course be cheaper to simply convert your bike to a triple configuration.

However, if you wanted to have a specific climbing bike with a triple, there's a number of good bikes, so you'd be better going to a proper local bike shop to discuss your options, so that you can do a test ride.

 

[keithk]

I am using a 12/27 cassette

 

[keithk]

Considered upgrading to triple but cost of this is still pretty significant

 

[HLaB]

I am using a 12/27 cassette

My first instinct would have been fit a larger cassette unless you really want a new bike but that sounds like quite a large cassette already, although you may get bigger. Another option may be to change the inner chainring (if its a 36 at the moment swap it for a 34)

 

[Fab Foodie]

That's a stunningly daft comment for a shop supposedly trying to sell bikes to make to you, as a triple would give you access to a whole range of lower gears. Although you've commented about not wanting a bike with a triple bolted on, bearing in mind you already have a very good bike with a light frame, it would of course be cheaper to simply convert your bike to a triple configuration.

However, if you wanted to have a specific climbing bike with a triple, there's a number of good bikes, so you'd be better going to a proper local bike shop to discuss your options, so that you can do a test ride.

Spot-on.
Conversion will be costly, but you have a nice bike already and if you're happy with everything other than the gearing, then why change?
You could get custom 'TA' triple set-up from a touring specialist such as SPA cycles that would allow you to cycle up brick walls. You'll need a triple lever, longer chain and front deraillieur... depending on final gear range you might need a long cage rear deraillieur as well.

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/

Triples will be around for years to come.

 

[lukesdad]

You could use an xt cassette 11-32 and rear mech simple and cheap.

 

[akaAndrew]

Flying Dodo has said it all imo. Both with regard to the daft advice given by the shop (though, in fairness, they did say "virtually" redundant) and with regard to getting another bike.

A £2500 budget will get you a very capable triple, very capable indeed. With some extra bits... you lucky sod!!

 

[ianrauk]

Very strange advice since the new Specialized 2010 range all have triple models available

I have discussed with the Specialized Concept store whose advice was that 'compacts have virtually made triples redundant' but for my legs this is not the case.

Any advice much appreciated.

 

[trustysteed]

You could use an xt cassette 11-32 and rear mech simple and cheap.

that's exactly what i did, got an 11-34t and rear mech, now i can make it up most hills. although having just come back from the lake district and driven over the honister pass (25%) and the kirkstone pass (20%) i'm not sure that would even help me!

i did like the look of those passes though and i would def like to give them a go.