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.

[OakLeaf]

For you gals with compacts, how many gears do you actually use?

With my triple, it's the bottom 3 on the small ring, all 10 on the middle ring, and the top 4 on the big ring.

It's not just the range that counts, but also how many different gear choices you have within that range, that will allow you to spin your desired cadence. Even one tooth on the cassette makes a huge difference in cadence and comfort.

I've never actually done a spreadsheet to see how much overlap I have in the gearing, but those are the ones I actually use.

[Bikenow]

Try it you will love a compact. I have been riding since 1984 and in 2005 I got a new Bianchi with a carbon compact. I'll never go back. Everyone has really given a lot of good advice. Something to think about is the crank arms should be as close to what you have been riding, other wise it will take your
legs time to adjust to the new spin and new gears. Also the pedels may be wider or closer together than what you have been riding. This is called the Q factor. You might what to wait and change at the first of next year's riding season. Just try it, what do you have to lose. I'm 55 and love the spin, no mashing anymore.

[Beane]

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.

Oh duh. Not sure why I didn't think of that...

With a triple I was always having to then get out of my small ring to my middle chain ring and also dropping back down again. AND dropping my chain.

I agree. I've been dropping the chain much less with the compact double than the triple.