Move from triple to compact is killing me.

[lo123]

lo - what size are your cranks? It is easier to spin with shorter cranks. I know shorter cranks are better for knee problems, but I don't know if they help for hip problems.

But that's also something that you could possibly change out to help.

hmm.. 170 on the cranks. I hadn't thought about that. I'll talk to the guy who did my pro fit and see if that's something that might work for me.

Don't let it demoralize you. The Madone is a beautiful ride but it doesn't sound like you are enjoying it much. That's too bad.

I'm trying... I've really enjoyed it on the recreational rides I've done on the Madone where I didn't feel like I was slowing everyone else down...
When someone circles back to pace me back to the main group, it just really feels like a loss when I was able to hang with them a few months ago.
I think I need an attitude adjustment.. or new riding buddies

a) Switching to a road triple or even a touring triple. This would mean confirming that your left shifter is double/triple compatible, or replacing it with one that is triple-compatible. You may also need a new front derailleur, but it's hard to know without seeing the bike.

What's the difference between a road and touring triple?

From my calculations, the Ultegra triple I've looked at would be 52/39/30, which with the current 27 cassette, would give me essentially one more gear, but not quite to the 1.7 gain ratio of the Tricross setup.

Maybe I need to figure out what the comparable to that is on the Tricross and give it a go? I don't usually use full granny gear on the Tricross except for one hill that's part of my 'warmup', so maybe it would work.