Hap, Loaded touring bike: you're probably gonna want that triple AND a big cassette in the rear - unless you don't mind resting or walking (Kent Petersen's "24 inch gear") when you totally bonk on that big climb.
On my AHH country bike/sport tourer with a light load: I LOVE my TA 46-30, Simplex SLJ up front, 12-27 Ultergra/Dura Ace rear. I live and ride in the Cascade Foothills, and can think of only one occasion where I've used the lowest gear. I occasionally use my second lowest gear, but spend most of my time in the big ring on the rolling hills. It's by far my favorite gearing setup, and I've tried (and have) a lot of different setups. However, I don't think this would be ideal for a long tour with a heavy load. WRT the 46-30 and the 12-36 rear: it might work okay, might even work well. I have a feeling the trick may be finding the right front derailleur, and I'm thinking something from the 70's or 80's with a wide cage. I first tried a modern FSA compact for my Hilsen setup, and never could get it dialed in right (rubbing problems, and some shifting problems.) The old Simplex SLJ doesn't appear to have the correct radius for the 46T ring, but it works great! Trial and error can be fun - especially when you create that winning combo, but it can also be frustrating and expensive. Good luck! Alex -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
