compact cranks

[SadieKate]

I went from a triple (52/39/30 I think) x 12-26 to a compact double (50/34) x 13-29 and have found little difference between the 30x26 and 34x29. I've noticed it only on the worst of the worst hills.

Wow, and I thought I was a princess. I'm amazed that you notice it at all as the gear inches are 31.15 and 31.66 respectively.

If you had stayed with the triple and just changed to a cassette with a 29 cog (30x29) you'd have 27.93 gear inches which is definitely noticeable.

Now, if you'd changed your inner ring to a 28 (entirely possible), you'd have a low gear of 26.07 with 28x29.

You can always get a wider range of gears with a triple. Whether you need/want them is an individual thang.

IFor the ease of transition, I would definitely say go with the compact double and get the biggest rear cassette you can. (which is 27 or 28 for shimano, I think)

That would be the biggest cassette your rear derailleur can handle. You can always change the rear derailleur to a longer cage model and put on a cassette with a 34 cog.