| Many road cyclists are ditching their old triple cranksets | | | | If you've every owned I bike with a triple, you know |
| in favor of compact cranksets. A compact crankset | | | | what I mean. Because a drivetrain with only two |
| splits the difference between a standard 53/39 setup | | | | crankset rings is simpler, is also easier to keep in |
| and triple. Here are five reasons to consider making | | | | smooth working order. |
| the jump to a compact double if you're still riding a | | | | 4. A compact double has a smaller Q-factor. The |
| triple. | | | | Q-factor in cycling is the distance between the pedal |
| 1. Triple cranksets look lame. I know this is a superficial | | | | attachment points on the cranks-arms. A smaller |
| reason, but it's true. Along with the fluorescent yellow | | | | Q-factor means a more efficient pedal stroke |
| jersey and the helmet mirror, those three rings scream | | | | because your feet are closer in to the bottom bracket. |
| amateur. | | | | If you get really geeky about this stuff, a smaller |
| 2. Triple cranksets are heavy. This is probably not a | | | | Q-factor also means better aerodynamics. |
| huge issue if you're a recreational rider, but if you're | | | | 5. A triple has redundant gears. Because the triple |
| someone who is always looking to save a little weight, | | | | crankset has such a wide gear range, it also duplicates |
| moving to a compact double can shave significant | | | | many gears. You may not get some of the ultra-low |
| grams off the total weight of your bike. | | | | gears that result from a 30 tooth front ring with a 25 in |
| 3. A compact double crankset can be easier to | | | | the back, but a 50/34 compact crankset with an 11-28 |
| maintain. The super wide gear range of a triple | | | | or 12-28 cassette should give you a very similar low |
| crankset requires special derailleurs that can be finicky. | | | | range. |