Need Education on Compact Double verses Triple

[rij73]

I punched that into the online calculator.

Old bike:
Hardest gear - 115 gear inches (a pretty high gear)
Easiest gear - 23 gear inches (a very low gear!)

New bike:
Hardest gear - 110 gear inches (really high enough unless you are racing!)
Easiest gear - 33 gear inches (harder than before, but still low for a road bike)

So your easiest gear now corresponds to about the 4th lowest gear on the old bike. So, yes, it will be harder to pedal up the hills. The difference in weight will make up for part of that, but you may just struggle a bit until you get used to it if you have big hills to climb! It'll be good for you!

[Eden]

I punched that into the online calculator.

Old bike:
Hardest gear - 115 gear inches (a pretty high gear)
Easiest gear - 23 gear inches (a very low gear!)

New bike:
Hardest gear - 110 gear inches (really high enough unless you are racing!)
Easiest gear - 33 gear inches (harder than before, but still low for a road bike)

So your easiest gear now corresponds to about the 4th lowest gear on the old bike. So, yes, it will be harder to pedal up the hills. The difference in weight will make up for part of that, but you may just struggle a bit until you get used to it if you have big hills to climb! It'll be good for you!

I think the difference in the weights of the bikes will make a great deal of difference - I doubt you will struggle with the new bike.
I have a big old utility bike too - a 34 pounder and it has a lowest combination of 28 - 32, same as your Cannondale, and I use it.

my race bike (Also a Ruby Pro) is a standard double (53-39) with a 27 on the back and I've been able to climb every thing I've come across so far on it. I think with your compact you'll be more than fine.

[rij73]

Nice to hear that the weight reduction makes such a big difference. Makes me excited about my bike that's coming in one week!

[sarahkonamojo]

It really depends on the terrain you ride, your fitness level, and tolerance for pain. I have heard from cyclists with compact doubles who switched to touring gearing because they didn't want to climb standing up. But this is Colorado and we like our mountain passes. I'd suggest that your bike shop be familiar with the terrain you intend to ride and give you assistance in choosing gearing.

There are hills everywhere.

Enjoy your new bike.

sarah

[ladyicon]

I also went from a triple to a compact double (my Ruby expert). I have found the Ruby to be very responsive to climbing, the power goes to the wheels. We have a lot of very long slow hills here, also steep climbers. I find the long slows to be similar to a triple on the ruby, but those really steep climbs are a bit harder.
Just learn how and when to shift and keep that cadence up
Congrats on your new bike !!!

[Triskeliongirl]

If you find the 27 isn't low enough, you can switch it out for an 11/34 which is what I have, but you may also need a longer cage rear derailleur. It really depends what you are trying to climb, and how strong you are.