Originally Posted by
celticfrost
I started w/ a triple and wish I'd started w/ a compact.
With a 50/34 crank and an 11/28 cassette, I don't see how the biggest gear isn't big enough and the smallest gear isn't small/granny enough.
Also, between me and various mechanics in MA, CA, TX and CO, no one could seem to get the FD in tune. Maybe it was because it was Shimano?? -- which I disliked for other reasons as well.
Though it'd also help knowing the OP's current abilities and goals (especially regarding climbing).
sounds like you had incompetent mechanics.
to the OP, i say: i would opt for a compact crankset and then buy a larger (or smaller) cassette, and an extra chain. this way you have gearing for different riding, and you save money by not having to buy a new crankset.