Sugino Triple XD2 (24-36-46) 2-month review...with pic...

[Michael]

Had it on my new Sam that I have had since March.

 

I like it alot better than the compact 34-50 Ultegra crankset (with 12-27 cassette) that is on my Bleriot (installed by original owner). And alot better than the 30-40-52? triple that came on my Giant road bike back in 2009.

 

The Sugino triple is way prettier for one.

The middle ring keeps me in the middle cogs most of the time (11-32 cassette, so that helps make for lighter gearing, too).

The 46t big ring is light enough for me that I can just flip over into the big ring on flats and downhills and I am still strong enough to push the big ring for a good while. Couldn;t do that with the 52t ring on the Bleriot.

 

Sugino big ring also keeps me in the mid-outer cogs. Sometimes I just change the front rings without changing the cassette rings. Very convenient that the gearing seems to work good that way so I don't need to shift the rear first to prepare for the chainring switch up front. I am used to having to do that on other bikes.

 

So I am really happy to have a triple that has fewer t's than most offered stock on bikes at LBS's these days.

 

I really love having a triple with these toothcounts. The 9-speed cassette, and the 170mm crankarms seem to be just great for me and the healthiest feeling pedaling I have ever had.

 

Makes for some comfortable pedaling, and less shifting. I think I will just use these gearing combos on all my bikes in the future.

 

[Michael]

PS- having the 24t ring is fantastic because we have some big hills around here. Good to have confidence that I can go anywhere with a riding friend and not have to worry about making it up hills like I did with the Bleriot crankset.

[Ron Mc]

when I began converting my old Raleigh to improve comfort and versatility, first thing was an Ultra-6 spaced freewheel, then half-steps on the 144bcd crankset - 46/41 (smallest chainring that fit).  It was a very good compromise with the limited rear spacings, and most of my shifting was on the halfsteps on normal creek-bottom rides (all the best roads follow the river).  So when I found a good deal on a Cyclotouriste triple, it was half-steps with escape, 47/42/26, and it's awesome.  Have my daughter's "load bike" set up with gears down to 26", and we both rode some 9-degree switchbacks a month or so ago, and we would have been biathletes without those little gears.  

[WETH]

I also like it for all the reasons you stated. I have it installed on my Atlantis. I ride a Surly LHT with a 22/32/44 crankset and find the Sugino a better match for my riding.
When I was buying parts for my Atlantis, I contacted Riv and they recommended I use a 113mm bottom bracket with the XT Front Derailler and Sugino triple. This is a bit different from the website which recommends a 110mm bottom bracket: http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/bbc.htm
I was glad I asked and the 113mm bottom bracket has it all working together well.

-Erl

[Ron Mc]

chainline is everything.  

[dougP]

You may not need it often, but when you do, a 24 tooth ring is pretty handy.  With a wide range cassette such as you have, you'll find the middle ring will get you up lots of hills.  But there are times when you have a load, end of a long hot ride, new area with steep hills, etc., and even the 36 x 32 is a struggle.  Those are the times when dropping into a really low range is a life saver.  You no longer have to answer the question "Do I have the gearing for this ride?".  Granny is your friend.

dougP