Double or Triple Crankset?

beanston1975

Hi all, I am building up a bike from scratch and I have come to the crankset. When I am riding I rarely use the largest chainring so I am considering getting a Shimano Hone Double Crankset. I am unsure about all of the things I have to consider so I'm gonna ask:

1) is a double lighter than a triple? (probably obvious answer, but you never know)
2) how does it affect the front shifter? do I set it up as normal but just not use the no.3 setting, or can I use the screws on the derailleur to limit the movement?
3) would I need a particular shifter or derailleur?
4) is there any affect on the rear end of the groupset?

Any assistance would be gratefully received!

nicklouse

1) is a double lighter than a triple? (probably obvious answer, but you never know) if the crankset is the same and does not use a bash ring then yes, but a bash ring will make it heavier.
2) how does it affect the front shifter? do I set it up as normal but just not use the no.3 setting, or can I use the screws on the derailleur to limit the movement? correct
3) would I need a particular shifter or derailleur? no
4) is there any affect on the rear end of the groupset? no

beanston1975

Many thanks!

The questions were probably obvious but this is my first build and in the past, whenever I've had an issue, I've taken the bike to my local shop, so my tech knowledge is pretty poor......but I'm learning through necessity!!

ride_whenever

The cranksets aren't the same, i thought the double/bash had steel pedal inserts an a lighter axles whereas the triple doesn't.

the gella

Hi With a double you can run a shorter medium rear mech cage and shorter chain less weight better clearance smoother shifting and more power. If you want shifting accuracy and longevity for your components a longer bottom bracket axle to give a better chainline, i.e. the chain is better running parallel to the rear cogs, on a triple the big front should not be used with the big rear and small front should not be used with the small rear, fitting a double and moving it out with a longer bb will give you a better more parallel chainline more usable gears and less wear on all components

cunning-stunt

beanston1975 wrote:

is a double lighter than a triple?

Depends.
My old double weighed about the same as a triple with a metal bashring,but I've just changed it to a Ltd Edition E-Thirteen polycarbonate jobby...which is lighter (and pimpy white )

Other than that,what Nick said.

grantway

I have a double and most of my riding is hard XC and trail and to be honest
only very miss it on fast down hills or on the flat fire roads

But in the mud and up hills you only need the two cranks.

Other than that you dont hit all the rocks and roots etc.

For what i know if you may have to change the rear cassette.

Mine is set for getting up the hills for the next blast down.