Thinking of changing a double compact 50 x34 to a triple.

[Doug.]

Hello.

I Live in a very hilly area and not being as fit (or young ) I find it highly difficult to climb some of the inclines and banks.
I have been advised to fit a triple chain set ,what do the contributors think ?
If yes for the triple please could you suggest a suitable chain set ratio ?.
Also will I have to change the double to treble shifter or is there some adjustment in it to facilitate another chain set sprocket ?
The present group set is a Shimano 105 compact double.
Thank you for any replies and regards to all.

Yours

Douglas

 

[raleighnut]

I'd go for the triple but you may also need a medium cage rear mech as well as the (triple) front LH shifter.

 

[User33236]

What cassette do you have on the rear?

Mrs SG recently switched the opposite way from triple to compact with an 11-32 cassette.

 

[Bicykell]

What's the ratio on your cassette? I'm asking because if you have the standard 11-28 you can change straight to 11-32 which I have been told will make a big difference and give you the versatility you are seeking without the fiddle of upgrading the front dérailleur. Living in Cumbria at the grand age of 66 I am in a similar position to you, and will be changing the cassette shortly as the 11-28 makes big climbs a bit daunting.

 

[jowwy]

I have a compact on the synapse disc 50/34 and 12/30 cassette.....the gaps in gearing are horrid for me and much prefer the triple for that reason

I would assume going even bigger to a 12/32 cassette would be even worse

 

[huwsparky]

Tough one. I have a friend who has a 32t cassette on his bike and its a lot lower than mine on a 28t. Provided you're on a 28t at the moment this will more than likely solve your problem of not having a low enough gear but like @jowwy said, your gap in gears will not be ideal. For this reason alone I wouldn't personally switch to a 32t cassette.

 

[dan_bo]

Ifyou do opt for a triple i have a LHshifter I would swap for a double. PM to discuss if interested....

 

[Doug.]

Thank you all for the replies.
I shall decide what to replace or not given your advice.