Originally Posted by
Carbon Unit
Can I ask a question about your comment then you shift the front dr more on the compact than on the triple. I have a 53/42/30 Campy with a 13-26 cassette. I spend most of the time in the 42 but on fast rides, I will need to shift into the 53 because I run out of gears in the 42. I was considering a compact because I can put a 12-29 cassette on it and keep in in the 50 chain ring on the compact. I think I would shift chain rings less often at least that is my reasoning behind wanting to replace my triple with a compact.
Or, I could put a 52/39/30 Campy 11 speed triple on with a 12-29 and almost never take it out of the 52.
The gear calculator is your friend. I'm not that fast. On a good day I average 16.<something> mph on a long ride. On my commute, I just spin faster on the short 2% grades instead of shifting. I max at about 24 mph. The 12-29 might be a good choice for you, but make sure you are OK with the gear spacing.