^^^



I don't know why there's all this triple hatin' going down, so I'll just say I got my first triple (on a single, as opposed to a tandem, which is another matter) as a 30+er So, yeah, it's heavier than a double of any sort, but I think it offers more gearing options than a compact for really nasty stuff, or, more likely, you're at the end of a long ride w/ nothing in the tank and you're reduced to one speed (and one speed only) on any kind of gradient no matter how slight. Going 1:1 (or less) is a lot easier on a triple than a compact, and on a compact you'd have a serious pie pan back there. But then again, if it's a pie ride, there ya go.

Having gone back to a retro ride from the '80s after a bunch of years with lighter, modern stuff, it's all about the engine.