Originally Posted by
Hill-Pumper
What is it that you don't like about the compact double? I ask because most people that don't like the compact state that there is not a low enough gear for hill climbing. If that is the case, you could always run a mountain bike rear derailleur and cassette. With Shimano you have the option of a 11-36 rear cassette, which should cover a wide enough range for most applications. As a bonus it is a lot cheaper also. I am thinking of outfitting the road bike with the same set up for my wife.
Range isn't the issue for me. I get the same low end with my compact double (34-30) as I did with my triple (28-25), but with the triple my ratios were much closer and easier to find a good cadence. I don't like the big jump between sprockets. I also don't care for the drastic difference between the 50 and 34 rings, but could be I just need more time to get used to it.
I get the logic, that's why I tried the compact double in the first place. I just don't prefer it. Going back to a triple is cheaper than moving to an 11-speed Campy set up
.
But with Campy reviving their triple offerings, I can get an 11-speed cassette with a triple crank! Hmmm...need to start playing the lottery.