In a week I am leaving for aspen, and I am not sure if I should even take my bike which has a 53/39 double. Should I rent a bike with a triple? Or am I just better off buying a cassette with something like 12-27 (or bigger if there is such a thing) gearing?
aspen is a mountain town at altitude. if you aren’t used to the altitude, riding in the mountains or a strong rider, a triple (or, compact double) would make riding much more enjoyable ;). grinding up a sustained 9% grade at 10,000+ altitude in a 39x23 is quite an experience, especially if you are a flat-lander. i wouldn’t call it enjoyable though.
if you currently have a double, your derailleur probably won’t have the capacity to handle a 12x27 and your chain will be too short.
definately plan on riding though. aspen is beautiful and the riding in the high rockies is great.
I live in the Vail valley and the riding is simliar to Aspen. I normally use a 53/39 with a 12/27 and it works in most cases, but I can tell you that a third ring would make it much more enjoyable sometimes.
Have a great trip…
If you rent, you will probably find it easier to find a mountain bike than road. Don’t worry too much about the triple… I think your main problem is going to be narrowing down where you want to hike/ride. Have a great trip!