LDNSTi

Evening peeps. I'm new to road cycling and the bike I'm looking at comes in either triple or compact version. I understand this is the gearing. But can someone please explain the differences to me please. Like I said, I'm new and learning as I go.

dpb

Well triple is obviously 3rd chaining up front, not sure why average person needs one

Compact is something relatively new, no idea

nik52wrx

Basically a triple has three gear rings at the crank (pedal end) and a compact has two.
What you need depends upon the type off terrain you'll be riding.
If predominantly flat a compact will do typical compact setup is 50 and 34 tooth rings.

If your riding is going to be very hilly consider a triple as the smallest ring will help on the hills, typical setup 50, 39 and 30 tooth rings.

I have one of each so I have the choice depending on the ride we are doing.
The triple usually comes into play when the legs are shot
Hope this helps.

Nik

nik52wrx

The average person might need one because they may struggle to spin a compact after several challenging climbs, something I can vouch for after a 65 mile hilly sportive.

Nik

LDNSTi

That is exactly the answer I was hoping for. Thankyou very much.

dpb

Fair enough then.


Is that all a compact is, i didn't quite realize

LDNSTi

So with this all in mind, would a compact be easier, simpler to maintain and adjust etc.

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Not really, no difference with modern gears.

LDNSTi

Ok cool. Thankyou. . A very helpful and knowledgeable bunch on here. .

nik52wrx

Generally I would say the compact is easier to maintain setup wise.
Saying that and touching wood my triple hasn't given me any problems but maybe this is to do with the ultegra components.

If your not planning on doing heaps pod climbing a compact would probably be your best bet. Also there seems to be more choice in compact bikes, triples don't seem too readily available in comparison.

Nik.

LDNSTi

Thank you .

Matteeboy

You'll get mocked and laughed at by other roadies if you get a triple.

nik52wrx

No problem.
Out of interest, what sort of riding are you planning on doing?

Also, take a look on the British cycling website, sportives are great rides and a good way of meeting fellow cyclists.

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/sportives

Nik.

Type20Paul

Depends what type of riding you do. As said above, if you are going to do very hilly routes that third chainring is a boost. When I was doing my road cycling I did 6 of the 10 hardest routes (according to a book I found) in Scotland - some very steep sections where I was very glad of the triple. If you are on relatively flat ground I'd go for a compact.

coupe_20vt

iTrader: (2)

If you're worried you'll run out of gears using a compact you can always change the rear cassette from the 'usual' 12-25 to a 13-[29/30/31]

On my Wilier I struggled for a while with a 25 but having changed to a 29 I can tackle most climbs without too much discomfort.

theboy

You dont need a triple unless your 60 years old. Living in Halifax we are surrounded by some very hilly terrain and my wife who is relatively new to cycling rides a compact, her previous bike that she rode for only a few months had a triple and she never used the granny cog.

Midlife......

iTrader: (2)

Compact with a good spread of rear cogs and a "get out of jail free" granny gear..........sorted

Shaun

dpb

You can make your own custom cassette with marchisio sprockets