Originally Posted by OC Roadie
BTW, what's your take on mounting a triple vs compact double? Currently I using 53/39 x 12/27, I could probably mash through day 1 in a 39x27, but I think I'd crack on day 2 or blow my knees up. Take Care...Pat
Well, it's a lot simpler to mount a compact double. Switching to a triple is a pain. New bottom bracket, possibly new shifter, possibly new derailleurs. My 50/34 compact double has one less gear on the low end than a triple, and one less gear on the high end. That's tolerable, although it might be nice to have a 12-28 cassette, just for peace of mind. At the end of the last climbs, expect your muscle glycogen to be completely gone. Mine was.
These folks sell the American Classic 12-28 cassette (9-speed):
http://www.glorycycles.com/amcl.html