Hybrids better for hills?

[nikkoblu2]

Why not just check out some bikes that already come built as a triple? The Giant Avail 3 comes in a triple, as does the Specialized Dolce and Ruby Comp. For Trek models, the new Lexa and Madone 4.5 and 5.2 are all available in a triple.

Nscrbug - I see you have the Cannondale Synapse...is it a double? How do you like it? Actually I also tried out the Madone - I'm guessing it was either a 3.5 or a 4.5 cause it was priced about $2,100 or so. I liked it, but something pulled me towards this one.

But, like Cataboo said, if were talking switching all this stuff over it sounds real expensive and doesn't make sense. Ironically, frame was supposedly in a box in the basment. I spoke with the owner last week, she said she had a bike in mind that she was going to have built for me. Now I know this isn't a custom bike or anything, but she knew she was looking for a 51 cm frame so she had the bike geared towards what she thought I would like.

Cataboo - I absolutely will count the teeth...I'm totally impressed with your technical knowledge. But, I can't count the teeth on the Cannondale till this weekend. We have a vacation condo on the Jersey shore - that's where I'm keeping this bike. So as soon as I count all these teeth I'll post with the info.

I already put in a call to the bike shop that I'd like to talk to her about the bike. So, what type of rider would a compact cassette be beneficial for? There must be some pros or they wouldn't make them, right?