Compact Double or Triple?

[lo123]

I'm pretty sure that Shimano offers a 12-27 cassette. That comes pretty close to the granny gears that you'd find with your typical triple set up (52-42-30 crank and a 12-25 cassette). You could also pair a mountain cassette with the compact and get even smaller gears. You'd have bigger jumps with that set up, which wouldn't be to my liking.

I say all of that without actually checking Shimano's website to verify their offerings. I'll do that when I have a chance and get back to you.

Shimano makes an 11-28, I'm running that with compact crankset on my road bike. It's not quite as easy as my triple with 11-34 on the back (MTB RD and casette), but it's much better for my bad hips/back than the 11-25 that was on it originally.

I also have a 12-27, but I prefer the 28 to be kind to my joints.

The 11-28 can be a little finicky with a short cage rear derailleur (what I have), long cage would be better. The gaps can be a pain at times because it feels like you're missing the gear you need. But I'm willing to deal with that trade off.