Amanda, I've been reading a little on gear ratios and compact cranks lately. I'll be going to Leakey, Texas in a few weeks and the hills there have me a little nervous. I found an article in my search that you might like reading too.

http://www.trainright.com/articles.a...splay&uid=2091

I have a compact crank on my new bike and I really do like it compared to my last road bike which had a standard double. I've never ridden with a triple, so I can't make any comments on them.