Originally Posted by
Steve B.
I’ve an Ultegra 9 spd., 26/38/52 with a 13-25 cassette. The 26 I added, stock was 30. It has about 18 non-repetitive gears. A gravel rig I’m purchasing with. 30/48 and 11-34 11 spd system has the same number of non-repetitive gears, not quiet as high a gear, but a pretty useful range.
For most people's shifting behavior, a 48-30 11-34 Shimano 11-speed will be worth 14-16 useful unique ratios, and it has both a higher top-end and a lower low-end than your triple. The compromise is that the gear spacing on the cassette is much wider than your 3x9 road triple.