Ah, there we go. I kept re-reading the thread and looking at your profile, trying to figure out where you lived. That was my first instinct when I saw your original post...."where's this guy from?" For me it is simple: build the bike for the terrain in which you plan to ride it, and consider what's appropriate to your fitness level. I live in the mtns of western NC, and triples come in pretty handy here, my friend. I have a (not C&V) newer bike with a compact double (36/50), and those things will make a man outta you where I live. On the occasions when I have no triple available (like now when I'm between projects), I sure miss that 26 up front at the end of a day ride!