Originally Posted by
ThermionicScott
The smallest chainring you can put on a "compact" (110BCD) crank is 33T and usually the smallest reasonably-priced one is the 34T. I've often thought that a 46/34 double with a 12-28T cassette would be a great starting point for most people*. That's 32-101 gear inches if you're using 700x25 tires.
I have nearly the same,44/34/14-28 and its ideal for my casual around town/errand/grocery getter bike. Its an old triple mtb crankset using only the top two, no granny needed.