gear ratio

Question
QUESTION: Hello, my name is Philippe and here is my question.
I currently use on my road bike a triple Shimano Ultegra crank with 11-26 in the back. My average RPM is 70.

I consider buying a new bike, the question is should I keep my triple or go for a compact crank. I mostly ride on flat but I am not a good climber and very occasionaly I use my third ring and 26.
What do you think?
Thank you for your help.

Philippe

ANSWER: Hello Phillippe,

Difficult to say, I prefer a compact if you have enough experience and power in the legs. Because you'll have only 2 chainrings and then mostly a 50-34 gear. A 50 is for flat heavy, and a 34 is mostly used at steep climbing courses.
So I would recommand simply the triple, still with the extra weight of the third chainring.

If you have still more questions, please feel free to ask them.

PS Sorry, but I left friday for a trip to Li間e-Bastogne-Li間e to see it live in de Flemish Ardennes.

Kind regards,

Mick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Mick

First thank you so much for your answer this is very helpful.

Let me give you some more background so you can help me make the right choice.

First weight don't matter, I could loose (in body weight) the extra weight of the third ring.

Second, I am 46 mostly ride flat, 20 miles/h is my average and my cadance is around 75.

I have strong legs but I am a poor climber.

So eventhough I bike mostly on flat and use mostly the big ring of my current triple as soon as i hit a hill I go down to the small ring.

That said it is not an easy shift. you have to play with yourleft lever each time you switch gears. And my chain sometimes goes of when i go the big ring. It is well set, it is just not a smooth transition.

This is why I was considering the the compact crank.

I value your opinion and appreciate your advice.

Philippe  

Answer
Hello Phillippe,

About the weight, that is a little bikersjoke.
But for some "racers" it is damn serious, they definitely doesn't want to ride a triple. While it offers enough gears to ride easy up against hills. With a double/compact you'll need more power but is it also difficult to find the right gear.
With a good triple/rearcassette are the several changes in gearratio smaller in steps than with a compact. So I would suggest to ride with a new set of a triple. But remember that changing gears on the biggest (48-50 or 52/53 will effect if you ride on the biggest like a 26/28/30 or smaller)! And even while it is setup well, rough shifting or worse like loosing your chain is the result.

See if there is a local bike shop were you can make a testdrive before you set to the final result.

Best regards,


Mick