Bike Question Re: Chain Ring

Here's a recent thread:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=10795&posts=5

Worry about running (or riding as the case may be) into a killer hill. At least until I get my endurance and strength up.

Actually, in reality - at this point, any sustained climb at any grade is somewhat of a problem.  Losing another 25-30 lbs. wouldn't hurt, but in the mean time - I hate walking my bike. Haven't had to yet, but have only been on one ride (not real long and it had no step hills, just one fairly long sustained climb) and when I got to the top, I was spent and the HR was upto 177.

I guess, I am just worrying. That's why I am seeking input - wondering if I am worrying about something that over the next couple of months I will condition myself out of - and will have wasted the money to switch out to the triple.

Again, thanks.

How 'bout you ride with what you've got right now and decide later if you need another chain ring?  Personally, I love having a triple, but if I only had a double I'd give it a shot before spending more money.

Happy biking!

Treeeeple we don't neeeed no stinkin' treeeeple

I had not even considered the chainline issues with an  compact aero frame. l suppose that's another reason to stick with a double. Seriously, if you find you need lower gears, get a bigger cassette, or even go with a compact double. If you find that you're really really suffering on long climbs, an MTB cassette (11-34) and rear deraileur will give you about the same low gear as a road triple, and for considerably less money, To convert to a triple, you'll have to replace both deraileurs, the crank, the chain, the shifters, and the bottom bracket too probably. It's a pretty expensive fix for a problem that can be best solved by getting in better shape.

Oh, and ride more ;-)

If you already have a triple, I wouldn't go to the trouble of going back to a double. There's nothing wrong with a triple. I just don't think it's worth the trouble and expense to replace one perfectly good crank/deraileur(s)/shifter/bottom bracket (often the single most expensive components) with another for the sake of moving your gear choices around a little. You can get triple-like gears with bigger cassette, and you can put a corncob on a triple

Spend the money on better wheels, or a better hotel at your race, or something nice for your SO.

Ride more

Thanks, everyone!

I have decided to stick with the double and just "RIDE MORE" to build the strength and endurance.  If it continues to be a problem, or I end up riding were hills become a problem, I will look into either a compact double or different cassette.

- Tim