Message #10536

[LivingProof]

John:

What cranks do people use for such climbing?? Do you have any knowledge of people using Road Triple cranks?

Jim

Jim,
I ride with 2 buds who have triple cranks, both came as standard on newer light road frames.  One is a really strong rider who wears me out any time we ride. A triple makes a lot of sense for recreational riders anywhere there are hills. In the old days, these were often referred to as touring bikes and the small front chainring is known as the "granny" gear. The smaller front chainrings make pedaling much less stressful on the knees. Often the wheel rims are wider to permit use of fatter tires, and, this is sometimes linked to brakes that can open wider to accept 28 to 35 mm tires. My first good bike was a triple equipped cross-trainer. Still have it, it weighs a ton but it climbs.

The downside to a "roadie" is the added weight of the front triple and the much larger rear derailluer. As John indicated the shifting is less smooth. Roadies want speed and high tech equipment. By that definition, Lynn is, no question, a roadie!