decision...to get a triple or compact double

[Miranda]

One simple way a lbs owner put it to me was, "...with a compact, you loose the highest gear on a standard double, and the lowest gear on a triple...".

My old ride, that I learned the hard way was way too big for me had a triple. 50/39/30+12-27cassette. My new ride has a compact 50/34+12-25cassette.

With the old bike, I only used the smallest front ring once for the triple. This last w/e I took my new roadie girl out to that "one hill" that forced me to use it. I kept her in the big ring, changed up the back some, and just powered straight up... slow, but I did it.

Having a bike that actually fits you well, is huge for one thing. Hope you can work out one that's the best that way for you.

One thing I had read about on here, that turned out to be a lovely surprise for me as well with the compact... having my knees closer together, vs w/the triple.

At first, it's sorta strange. My knee pain also went away. I feel much more powerful and efficient in my pedal stroke with my legs being closer together.

Based upon that, I'm thinking no more triples for me. If I switched, it would be to a standard 53/39 double.

Good Luck shopping!