Hybrids better for hills?

[tiva]

I've got the Cannondale Synapse compact double as well, coming from a hybrid with a triple and a granny gear. The first month was hard, but then I got used to the compact, and also better at balancing while standing up on steep hills. And clipless pedals help a ton! You'll like the Cannondale a lot more once you get the clipless pedals on her.

[warneral]

I'm going from a triple to a compact double when I get my new baby. I"m a little bit nervous. But I decided compact is "it" for me b/c I don't find myself changing gears very much with the triple. It's just too testy. I look forward to the straight-forwardness of the compact double. It is good to know that Tiva learned to get used to your compact double as I'm in Madison area There are some hills here for sure (north west of Madison)

[nikkoblu2]

Hey Tiva - thanks for the input. So glad to hear you're happy with the transition from the triple to the double. Funny you mention standing up on hills - cause I notice how much more wobbly standing on the road bike is as compared to the hybrid. Actually, I don't really stand much and try to use my gears sufficiently so I don't have to. But, it's nice to know standing is always an option to get that last bit of power to get over the hurdle.

I'll get the clipless in the Spring. Planning on doing a charity ride this Saturday in Hazleton, PA - they've got scads of hills - so this will be great practice getting in groove with the lower gears.

[blackhillsbiker]

I'm finding that I shift much more often with the double. I guess I had been avoiding it with the triple because it was much harder to shift. I had the derailleur adjusted bunches of times but it never seemed to help. Now it seems so easy and responsive. My last few rides have been much more fun.

Deb