Originally Posted by
2manybikes
I have a bike with 50-34 compact crank and 10 speed 11-34 casette. It's a 105 group with an LX mtb rear derailleur. It works ok, But I like the close ratios of my triple equipped bikes better. I like climbing a lot more with the triples. I agree with the others about bigger jumps in gears on the compact crank bike. My 11-34 cassett makes the jumps a little worse. I would not sell a compact crank set up just to go to a tripple.
50-34 compact crank and 10 speed 11-34 cassette, 105 group with an LX mtb rear derailleur.
This is the gearing/setup I'm currently riding.
Started with a compact 50/34 with a 12-25 cassette, and being new, out of shape, slow and fat, couldn't make it up any hills. Swapped to the 11-34 cassette and the MTB rear derailleur, an instant improvement that I'm still enjoying today.
I would like to try a triple, just to see what the difference is. But honestly, one tooth spacing or tight gearing, had me constantly shifting up twice or down twice to reach gearing that was comfortable for me. Now, I only have to shift once on most rolling terrain or riding in wind. All my normal rides are using the 50 chainring, I only use the 34 for climbing hills. And on short hills, I'll stand and stay in the 50.
To the OP......... Bottom line, a compact double is very manageable. It won't leave you hanging if the cassette is matched to your terrain and physical ability. There's a lot of different opinions on gearing, most of this applies to the individuals riding style and level of fitness.
A recent article in Bicycling magazine stated, most people ride bikes that are over geared. If you can't spin up hills and constantly have to stand to gain leverage in the lowest gear, you are over geared.
As for Sram vs Shimano, try before you buy. Myself, I prefer Shimano. Couldn't get use to the double tap and didn't like the exaggerated lever motion.
Shopping for N+1 is always fun, have a great time and hope you find the bike of your dreams.