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2004-12-14 11:07 AM

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Subject: Bike Talk
I ride a TREK 5200 OCLV (late model, but perfect shape picked up on Ebay for $900!) and want to upgrade some components. I am thinking (of course) of the dura ace line, but is it really that much better than the ultegra?

Also, I want an opinion on triple chain rings vs. the standard double. I experienced a little difficulty pushing a wicked big hill when riding the MS 150 in Vermont last year. I got to the top, in my lowest gear, heart rate about 180, standing in the saddle and blowing the doors off at about 7 mph. Ever since then I have fantisized about upgrading my drive train.

Thoughts?


2004-12-14 11:13 AM
in reply to: #92329

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Subject: RE: Bike Talk

Ride more.

Seriously, if you made it to the top of the hill once, you can do it again, but faster. Ultegra is great stuff. Dura Ace is a bit lighter, a lot more expensive, in some cases not as durable, and a step to be taken after you have upgraded the engine.;-)

Save your money, train hard

I am not a fan of triples on road bikes. IMHO the weight and less than optimal shifting are not worth it to me. Slap a 12-27 cassette on the rear and stand on it.



Edited by ride_like_u_stole_it 2004-12-14 11:17 AM
2004-12-14 11:46 AM
in reply to: #92329

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Subject: RE: Bike Talk

As Dave (rlysi) says, it is my understanding that Ultegra is spec-ed the same as DA, just with lighter (more expensive) materials. Unless you're at the point where shaving grams will enhance your performance, you're not going to see any improvements by upgrading to Dura Ace. You will have a lighter wallet, though.

I'll admit I have a triple on my road bike, primarily because I ride Tahoe once a year. If I rode that terrain all the time I wouldn't need it, and if I didn't ride it at all I wouldn't need it. Because I train on nearly zero elevation gain, I want the lower gear. On "normal" (read "flat" ) terrain I never get off of my middle (42-tooth) chainring.

On my tri bike, I'm just fine with the 53-39 chainring.



Edited by the bear 2004-12-14 11:47 AM
2004-12-14 12:51 PM
in reply to: #92329

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Subject: RE: Bike Talk
I live in a very hilly part of the country where tripples are more common... But I like The Bear try to stay off the small chainring on all but the biggest of hills. When you gear that low you loose a lot of speed. If you dont normally ride in very hilly terrain I would just do some strength training and maybe train on the hills more. check out the cyclist training bible... Hope I was able to help.
2004-12-14 1:52 PM
in reply to: #92329

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Subject: RE: Bike Talk
Perfect. I have been doing much more riding since my encounter with the mountain, and I know that next time I will be much more prepared.

Thank you for the input, and I will take the advice and stay with a good double going with a 10 vs. a 9 speed cassette for the upgrade.

"Life is an endurance sport"
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