My triple is a 30-42-52 paired with a 12-26 rear. The gives me about 31 gear inches for climbing. Living in the Conejo, I ride the SM's nearly every weekend and honestly, I wouldn't mind having a 27 in the cassette! If I replace my almost 10 year old bike in the next year, I think I'll opt for the triple again, rather than deal with a compact and the larger gear jumps. Okay, there is a little weight penalty....but my knees don't care!
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