dr (original poster): I agree you have a lot to consider and digest here. You a debating compact double vs. triple cranks, for one thing. As for myself, I've always had a double, and used 105 STI 'brifters'. They have performed so well for me that I see no reason to leave them. The mainline Rivendell philosophy favors non-indexed bar-end shifters, and lots of folks here go that way. However one good thing about Riv and this forum is that there's a wide tolerance for individuality and using what works for you. Along those lines, I'd suggest that you may first want to decide on your shifting system. I believe that you have been using STI? If you like it, you'll likely not want to change. I've heard (and not confirmed, and others here may correct me) that triples are a bit more finicky for brifters. But you were running a triple anyway, so would have your own experience. As Jim and others have mentioned, you can go to a compact double and still have a wide gear range. That's what I am going to work toward on my bike. I also admit to considering it an object of "beauty" and consider that when choosing parts. I got a very nice-looking Sugino Alpina compact double and that's what I'm sticking with. You may not be able to keep your 105 RD if you opt for a larger cassette; but as mentioned above, you can get a good Shimano mtn derailleur that will handle the larger cogs and should be just as reliable as what you are used to. Good luck, Steve
-- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/JCsB5cYhYCAJ. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
