boardman compact to triple

andrewjoseph

Hello peeps, I've got a boardman comp with a truvative elita compact chainset.

To help alleviate foot problems (I need to spin more) I'm thinking of getting a triple chainset.

I want to keep this as cheap as possible (without going too cheap). I'm thinking Shimano HT II type units so I don't have to change BB.

Any other recommendations please?

The front deraileur just says Tiagra, I can't see a model number anywhere on the unit. It has 3 clicks of movement (I had assumed this was for 'trimming'), so would it be compatible with a triple?

Would getting a lower range cassette ( 27 tooth) help stop me grinding up the steep hills of the South Wales Valleys?

thanks

richa

What is your current set up?
Chainset: Truvativ Elita 2.1 Compact 50/36T
Cassette: 12-23 or 12-25???

Current gear inches: 36/23 => 41.1 or 36/25 => 37.8

How about changing to a 34T chainring and a 27T cassette. Gear inches: 34/27 => 33.1

This is a substantial improvement. MPH @ 80 Cadence:
36/23 => 9.8
36/25 => 9.0
34/27 => 7.9

If you went to a tripple with same cassette. MPH @ 80 Cadence:
30/23 => 8.2
30/25 => 7.5

maddog 2

34-27 should get you up most things.

Have you considered changing shoes instead?

andrewjoseph

Thanks for the input peeps, the compact is 50-36, (oops, it's 36 not 34) cassette 12-25.

the problem I have is due to foot pain on both road and mtb, but only after starting on the road bike a year ago, been riding the mtb for several years with no foot problems.

after trying many things, new shoes, spesh insoles, wider pedals, i had an epiphany on the mtb yesterday: on a long hard climb my feet started to hurt, I changed to the granny and kept up a much higher cadence, the pain went away. Tried it again, up to middle. grinding out a lower rev, pain started again, stopped when changed to granny and higher revs.

This is the only thing that has worked for the last year, this is the first ride I've done where I've not had any pain for long periods.

I can only put it down to higher revs and less pressure on my feet.

So... my compact has a 36 inner ring and a 25 low sprocket, on the climbs around my way i can't spin up them (Avg 15% climbs with steeper sections).

Can I get a 30 tooth chainring for the front? Would my front mech cope with this drop (it should do if it can cope with a triple)?

I've seen 12-27 cassettes. perhaps a new chainring and cassette would be the best option.

thanks again.

maddog 2

34t in practice is your lowest. It will go down to 33 but nobody makes them

and a 12-27 will be fine with a road rear mech.

to change to a triple is a BB (probably), c/set, front mech and rear mech (probably). Not cheap but there are some good deals around if you know where to look.

maddog 2

34-27 is 33.1 inches

30-25 is 31.5"

30-23 is 34.3"


so the triple is lower but not by a lot.

aracer

maddog 2 wrote:

34t in practice is your lowest. It will go down to 33 but nobody makes them

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/chainrings/110.html#33

micken

I've just bought a Cannondale six13 that was set up with a standard double when I tried it out and I asked for a 50/34 to be fitted and retain the 12/27 cassette already on the bike. I had been riding a triple and the compact extends the lowest gear slightly but reduces the high gear as well.

The extended low gear makes a noticeable difference on the hardest climb on my training route but the reduced highest gear is hardly relevant when powering down inclines.

I find 50/34 x 12/27 a good triple replacement.

andrewjoseph

Thanks for the help guys, I've ordered an FSA 110 PCD Omega Road Inner 34T Chainring
and a Shimano Ultegra 6500 12-27 9 Speed Cassette.

Costs less than £50 before delivery.

micken

That looks good Andrew. Post back to let us know how you get on.

andrewjoseph

Only done one ride so far (it's been a bloody awful week!), hills were easier at a higher cadence, much less pain in my feet.

Having a problem with my knee though, probably overuse due to greatly increased cadence.

Gary D

andrew,

It sounds like you could maybe have a problem with your saddle height?

I would check it agian and maybe even try raising it 5-10mm at a time to see if that makes any difference. I am not an expert, but from the symptoms you describe it could be a problem. I was told that in general if you get pain on the front of the leg, i.e. knee, then the saddle is too low. If the pain is at the back of the leg then it is too high.

You may have just got used to it at its current height and therefore have assumed it is correct. However, try raising it and see. It might feel strange at first but you will soon know if it is right.

This is based on personal experience by the way. I recently went for a bike fitting and it was found my saddle was over 40mm too low :shock: Bike feels a lot more comfortable now

I would also check the front to back position of the saddle as well because I would guess that could cause pains in the foot as well

Hope this helps.

Gary.

andrewjoseph

Thanks for the info Gary,

Saddle height is not the issue, cleat position may be. or maybe it's just the cold weather

keithrevis

Where did you order the chainset and cassette from sounds a really good price. I have just got a new Boardman Hybrid Urban Team and are pleased with it but coming from a GT Avalanche I find the hills tough.

andrewjoseph

keithrevis wrote:

Where did you order the chainset and cassette from sounds a really good price. I have just got a new Boardman Hybrid Urban Team and are pleased with it but coming from a GT Avalanche I find the hills tough.

I got them from wiggle, but there is a gold user discount on that price.

As an update to my feet problems. they have now been resolved, if I keep my cadence higher than ~60-70 I get no problems at all. As soon as it drops down lower the pain starts.

keithrevis

Thanks for the info, my Boardman Hybrid Team has an SRAM PG950 11-32T Cassette so presumably is better for hills than a 12-25. I am thinking of changing the 36T Chainring to a 34T Chainring.

andrewjoseph

keithrevis wrote:

Thanks for the info, my Boardman Hybrid Team has an SRAM PG950 11-32T Cassette so presumably is better for hills than a 12-25. I am thinking of changing the 36T Chainring to a 34T Chainring.

you should be able to ride up the side of tower blocks with that combo!