Help! Quick question about groupsets.

[missyR]

I have some knee issues and I opted for a triple on my Madone. That is just me. Some of the compact double 10 speeds are very close to the same gearing. However, I believe you get smaller increments with a triple allowing you to build up the strength in your knee. Just my 2 cents and YMMV.

P2

Many thanks for this. I had the feeling they were similar but couldnt get my head round all the ratios. Its going to be work in progress so will be building the knee back up.

And welcome to TE!

I think P2 is correct.

Thanks been about for a while but maily just window shopping and learning as much as possible

Yes, this is true. I have 2 road bikes. One with a triple and an 11-27 cassette and one with a compact and mountain rear cassette. So the compact actually has lower overall gearing, but there's a big jump between the gears. I've had to get used to it. It's not the lowest gear that may actually be the most important thing to you; more the ratios and the spread between each gear.
Personally, I'd go with the triple if I had knee issues, as I would want more small increments between the gears.

Thanks when you say more increments what ratio do you recommend as unfortunately we do have some hilly areas on my regular commute.