Triple drivetrains

Back in my day a 21 speed, or 3x7 bike was the standard for top end bikes. Now days they have been phased out for 2x or 1x drivetrains.

Why triple?

Triple drivetrains are still useful for a few things.

Touring

Hauling bike packs up hill takes some gears, and on long rides, you want a lot of options so you can keep spinning.

Mountain

Sometimes dropping a ring in front to go up a hill is faster than shifting down a few gears in back.

Some 1x12 systems have trouble when backpedaling, slipping into a higher gear unexpectedly when trying to climb something steep.

Commuting

If you live in a place with hills, and want casual gearing to arrive sweat free, triples are nice to have.

Compatibility

Shifters

You need a shifter that supports 3 speeds. Many mtb shifters have a switch for 2x or 3x.

Front derailleur

A triple derailleur is needed to shift in the front. It has a larger cage to shift between the smaller rings.

Rear derailleur

A long cage derailleur is required to handle the additional gear range.

Featured triple cranksets

Featured long cage derailleurs