I know it depends on ME, but unfortunately i have not ridden hill enough to know what ME can handle...
Have not found another 2 ring option besides the 34-50...but there are two options with that - a NICE carbon one ...or the lower aluminum (which what i have now and is fine...but who would turn down an upgrade???) I would only want to spend the extra cash if i am pretty confident i can handle the 34-50.
If i were to get the triple i would have to change out the rear rings and all the derailers cause the ones i have will not work with a triple (so i have been told)
As for the rear...i am doing good to understand the front at this point but that brings up a question...Can i go with the 34-50 and change out the rear sprockets (is that the right word?) without having to change the derailers?
***my derailers are as top of the line as i will ever get and i would hate to have to change them if i could help it...i have not had the bike a year and it seems such a waste (i was in a wreck and scratched the rear derailler all up -- it works great still but the resale value is not so good cause of that)