Specialized Allez double or triple

macp
macp Posts: 94
edited May 2010 in Road beginners
Ok so ive decided on a Specialized Allez but is it worth going for the triple over the double ?

This is not a budget thing as there is only 30 quid seperating them but availability.If I can only get a double will I really losing out on the top speeds the third cog will give ?

Thanks all.

Comments

  • stokepa31
    stokepa31 Posts: 560
    third cog will not give you any overall speed bonus on the basis that the big ring will be no bigger than the double. the question should really be do you need the low gears offered by the triple. it may be you might like to consider a compact chainset to give the bets of both worlds. I hav a 2009 allez elite with a compact and have not found any hills that I cant get up yet. a traditional double will give you a 40 tooth inside ring which could give you problems climbing on big hills
    Burning Fat Not Rubber

    Scott CR1
    Genesis IO ID
    Moda Canon
  • macp
    macp Posts: 94
    Cheers man

    Yes spot the newbie mistake I got it the wrong way round regarding high & low gears.Top end speed is definitely of more interest.Having said that is it an easy job to retrofit a double with a third cog ?
  • macp
    macp Posts: 94
    Stanley222 wrote:
    I had the same dilemma not so many months ago - I was changing from a Spesh Sirrus hybrid that had the triple fitted and was worried that I would struggle on bigger hills with a compact double chanset instead.

    So far so good - I went for the double and love it!!!

    Good to know cheers Stanley
    I dont suppose Bristol is so hilly Cheshire is definitely not known for being so.
  • Lopseychops
    Lopseychops Posts: 4
    I bought an Allez Double a few months back and have struggled on the some of the hills around where I live since (i.e. had to walk a couple of them!) Perhaps I should have opted for the triple.

    To that end I am going to my LBS to get a different cassette fitted that will in effect give me an extra lower gear as opposed to changing over to a triple drivetrain. That will hopefully sort any issues! If not, I'll be signing out a new set of legs!
  • stokepa31
    stokepa31 Posts: 560
    depending which Allez you go for it will probably come as a compact anyway. you wont be able to retrofit a third cog so best get it right first time. if you are super fit then go with a double. if you are moderately fit go with a compact. if you are very unfit and or live in a very hily area, get the triple. in my experience, almost any hill is ok with a compact.

    there are plenty of threads on the forum dscussing this so have a good read through
    Burning Fat Not Rubber

    Scott CR1
    Genesis IO ID
    Moda Canon
  • guttertrash
    guttertrash Posts: 147
    When I went for a triple, I was told by colleagues to MTFU, but in all honesty, I'm glad I did. I do a 2x11 mile commute through the peak district three or four times a week, and that third ring just gives me that bit extra grace that I don't need to stop and rest after every climb.

    If you think you might need it, just go ahead and get it. The extra weight is negligible.

    For some reason, its unfashionable to have a triple on a road bike, but I say what the hell. Its not like you are forced to use it, but at least you have it if you need it.
    Ribble New Sportive
    Specialized Pitch Pro
  • macp
    macp Posts: 94
    After riding into work today on my 2 ton BSO which is a triple and deliberately only using two cogs staying away from the third on hills I had no problems.

    So I think it will be an Allez double.

    Thanks all for the input.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    macp wrote:
    After riding into work today on my 2 ton BSO which is a triple and deliberately only using two cogs staying away from the third on hills I had no problems.

    So I think it will be an Allez double.

    Thanks all for the input.
    Are you talking about a compact double (50/34 or 50/36)? If so your logic may work, but I suspect your BSO may have an mtb chainset so probably 44/30/22 or similar, so the outer rings are still substantially smaller than on a double. Also the cassette is likely to be a much wider range.
  • macp
    macp Posts: 94
    alfablue wrote:
    macp wrote:
    After riding into work today on my 2 ton BSO which is a triple and deliberately only using two cogs staying away from the third on hills I had no problems.

    So I think it will be an Allez double.

    Thanks all for the input.
    Are you talking about a compact double (50/34 or 50/36)? If so your logic may work, but I suspect your BSO may have an mtb chainset so probably 44/30/22 or similar, so the outer rings are still substantially smaller than on a double. Also the cassette is likely to be a much wider range.

    Yeah after re reading the posts above I realised I dont have a firm grasp of the double,compact,triple gearsets.Thanks for helping to bring a little clarity I had now better go to the Specialized website to see what info there is on the gearsets for the Allez double & triple.
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    A standard double is typically 52/39 or 53/39 and is too much for beginners.
    A compact double is typically 50/36 or 50/34
  • macp
    macp Posts: 94
    alfablue wrote:
    A standard double is typically 52/39 or 53/39 and is too much for beginners.
    A compact double is typically 50/36 or 50/34

    I see an Allez double has a chainset of 52x39 making it a tough ride for a relative newbie but the triple has 52x39x30 does this make it more newbie user friendly ?
  • alfablue
    alfablue Posts: 8,497
    Yes, the 30 means you should be able to climb anything, it offers an option for when you're knackered, or really steep bits, and adds just a little weight, which is insignificant.

    A compact might be ideal though, the Allez Sport 18 has a 50/34 compact chainset.

    I would go compact or triple, definitely not a standard double.
  • macp
    macp Posts: 94
    Stanley222 wrote:
    macp wrote:
    After riding into work today on my 2 ton BSO which is a triple and deliberately only using two cogs staying away from the third on hills I had no problems.

    So I think it will be an Allez double.

    Thanks all for the input.


    I was doing exactly the same buddy with my Sirrus so that's why I went for the compact double.
    Unless you consider yourself really unfit and want to tackle some seriously big hills then you will be fine as a newbie on the double with a compact chainset. I was worried it would be a struggle and yes some hills are a struggle but I expect them to be a struggle as I am not a pro - just a newbie like yourself!!!
    I was and am pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to climb some hills with the compact chainset but please go and ride one so you can make your own mind up!!! :wink:

    Cheers Stan so im guessing you have the Allez compact Elite ?

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