Originally Posted by
Camilo
Others have described how a multi chain wheel would be impractical. But, the triple crankset solves that bail out problem. Just getting a bail out gear in front - going from a larger chain wheel to a smaller- is very quick and easy with a triple. Going to a smaller sprocket or chain wheel is mechanically easier and quicker and the triple crankset provides that, at least to a small extent. But "they're too hard to adjust" (BS), they're too heavy (a little heavier), but mainly not fashionable.
I hated mtb triples and find 1x mtb drivetrains infinitely better. For road bikes 2x12 is more than enough range for me. Triples made more sense when there were a lot less rear gears, especially on a tourer. But I’d rather have more rear gears for a given range.
Modern drivetrains shift effortlessly up or down. On rides I do still see plenty of guys ranting their gears on steep climbs, but that’s just poor technique.
So I’m happy the way drivetrain “fashion” has gone in recent years.