Compac double vs triple

[malkin]

I think you've got a great bike!

You'll find out more from riding your bike than listening to the numpties. You may want to make a few changes in the set up, but you'll only figure out what to do based on what happens when you ride. So go ride and have some fun!

I have certainly owned a few bikes that were pretty far from perfect and a few that were much better, but I'm smarter now because of them.

[Becky]

I have certainly owned a few bikes that were pretty far from perfect and a few that were much better, but I'm smarter now because of them.

Like!

[Seajay]

Great advice here. So called "experienced cyclists" opinions are as subject to scrutiny as anyone else's...maybe more. Be comfortable on your bike, love your bike and ignore the rest.

Yes, you have a lower gear with 650...but that's why we have gears.
IMO...Compact mainly means you have fewer high gears, not that you are lacking a high gear. 50x11,12. You just get into midrange gears earlier 50x14 etc.

Exhibit A. Mirinda Carfrae 2010 IronMan world champ on 650 wheels. Guaranteed she wouldn't have been on 650 if it was slower.

[colorisnt]

I used to have a compact bike. My main bike was a triple and now my only bike is a triple. Hill climbing here is a huge thing. HUGE hills, so I have to say the triple is much better. Back home on the flat I don't think it would have made a dang bit of difference. Ride it, see how you do, and you can always upgrade. That said, I do ride here with people who have compacts and they climb with me just fine. I just prefer the triple.

As for the wheel size, you are TINY and that bike is tiny. I have a 700 set on my 47, but that is 4 cm difference. Any smaller and the bike shop I got my bike from would have recommended a 650. I didn't freak out over it because I didn't really care as long as it fit.

Ignore the haters!