| 03/18/2001 | Shimano Racer Need More Gears
 Shimano
is planning to introduce a Dura Ace triple chainring crankset so as to try
to compete against the Campagnolo systems. Many racers dislike having to
mount a pair of Ultegra triple crankset for harder racers. Racers have been
requesting this for a long time and would prefer to have as wide a range
gears as the Campy teams have with the 10 S System. Campy riders can climb
the hardest passes with only two chainrings and a rear cassette, because
they are able to use a large 27 tooth cog in the rear and still have the
gearing spaced correctly.
Campy racers do not need to shift to a third chainring which is slower than
from one rear cog to another. Over the course of a race this can translate
into several seconds. The 10 S System is also lighter, more reliable, and
it is easier to tune a bike for the mountain stage in the middle of a competition.
Mechanics just need to swap the cassette, while Shimano teams use specific
bikes for these mountain stages. Some racers dislike this because they prefer
to always the same bike to race. Changing from one bike to another can cause
them physical discomfort and may have a psychological penalty.
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