I know!! I wish I'd exercised a little forethought! It turns out my most excellent pearlized pink finish actually clashes horribly with my crimson Sooners jersey. What was I thinking?!?!

I'm all over that. Honestly that looks more dangerous then not knowing what's behind you.

Di Luca did yesterday's Giro mountain stage with a 34/29 gear ratio. The last climb was 6.3 miles and averaged 11.9% grade, with the max grade being 20+%. According to MTBs link, that gear would be nearly identical to my triple 30/25.

Whats my point, you may be asking? I don't think its possible to hang on a serious climb with a comparable rider if you are on standard double and he has either a compact with a huge rear cog or has a triple.

Is there a serious flaw in my argument that I am missing?

I just find it humorous that Archaea's friends will make fun of him if he has a triple. Some cyclists are just a different breed.. I'll probably never fully immerse myself into the cycling culture.

There are actually several cultures. You're already part of one just by the natiure of the bike you have and your actualk desire to ride regularly. Some bike guys are elitist and obnoxious, but they are few, more of them are friendly and accomodating. Go ot a century ride as opposed to a race, for exanaple, and there you will find hundreds of freindly folks.

I guess I would fit into the "I ride recreationally" culture. Whenever I meet anyone riding, why is it that they always ask if I want to go get a beer? Even the construction worker guys joke about getting a beer after my ride... Is that part of the recreational riding culture? I've heard most riders are cool except for the racers. Some of my family think I'm weird because I wear stretchy pants... especially my superficial sister. Although as soon as my sister-in-law told her how expensive it is to get decent gear, my sister thought the sport was really cool.

Have you gotten rid of that hair on your legs yet. You've really entered the zone when you get there.

Ha! I've been shaving for about 6 weeks now... I tell people I shave for the extra speed! :)

As far as triples go, I've never been offered one on a road bike, so I've never considered one. And I really haven't been anywhere that required one. OTOH, I'm not much of a climber, but climb for fun and fitness.

Shaving legs is cooler that I would have thought, and the occasional compliment from a female doesn't hurt.