I don't want to start the great 3X vs 2X vs 1X debate. But the 3X just works for me on my touring bike. 3X fans know.
I'm replacing my current 44-32-24 3×10 crankset with this Deore M6000 Hollowtech 10 speed 40-30-22 instead of just replacing individual rings. I wanted a lower range and its fits my touring cadence sweet spots perfectly.
But I found limited new stock availability for this crankset online. Shimano has discontinued it. So, if you ever had a thought about picking one of these up, now's the time before it is gone.
by Happy_Veterinarian23
16 Comments
Yup I noticed this last week… everything Shimano 3x seems to be going out of stock. I ordered some chainrings for my Alivio 3x and I think this might have been the last chance to get them…
Good riddance. Triples are a blight on cycling.
I was debating whether I go 3x vs 1x for touring, and I personally prefer 1x because I don’t need to worry about front mech issues or potential dropped chains. I do have to say that friction shifters paired with 3x is incredibly smooth and you’ll always find the perfect cadence.
I’ve had friction on the front for a few years. Perfection.
About to change my bike to 1x, I’m part of the problem. Not having to worry about a front derailer is just so nice.
This makes me sad. I have a 2x and 3x for other things. They are great too, but for me loaded up with panniers, beer, and camera gear I love my 3x.
NEW 3x cranksets are diappearing.
Old ones still exist. I’ve used Shimano FC-M737 or FC-M563 for years and they’re fine (and have potential to be decently low-geared, with a 58bcd low of 20T, as well).
I love a 2x. Generally you use the larger cog for most riding (especially here in Cambridgeshire, aka flat land). But when you need it, the easier cog is very useful.
I thought 3x is a hangover when more than 6 gears on the back was rare.
The range of the cassettes make 1x possible and 3x overkill.
Still, would be nice to still have replacements for existing setups.
Breaking news!
I’ve had way too many front derailleur issues on my last 2 tours. 3x has been continuous problems for me
From the big brands, yes. I think smaller manufacturers will be making triples for a long time to come. It’s just much more of a niche and the mass-market has moved away from it as a standard.
Blue Lug makes a very nice triple square taper crankset, in silver and black.
[https://global.bluelug.com/blue-lug-xmc-triple-crank-set-silver.html](https://global.bluelug.com/blue-lug-xmc-triple-crank-set-silver.html)
Personally I just stick with FC-m361, they are still readily available, cost about $40, still use chain ring bolts so you can actually swap the rings, and I’ve had no issues running them on 7/8/9 speed drivetrains. I have not used them on a 10 speed myself, but I have heard they work fine.
My new bike is belt drive pinion gearbox from Nua Bikes.
Here’s one for you, with a little filing you can fit a 20 on that spider. It’s a little fiddly but works. Fit the 20, tighten the bolts. Mark each bolt head where it faces the chain and also you don’t mix the bolts up (so they finish back in the same position when tightened) Remove bolts and file the flange off in the chain facing bit. Then file the spider where the chain would hit. The bolts are long enough there’s still plenty of thread engaged.
Bung on an 11 to 40 Sunrace cassette with a SGS derailleur and you’ve got 800+% gear range with 30 gears. If you can’t find the gear you need you ain’t looking hard enough.
Incidentally I’m not anti 1x, just not on a touring bike. Skinny chains, big gaps, restricted range, not so good. On my MTB where clutches and narrow wide rule, then yes.