My primary winter commuter has eight cogs in the rear. Most of my ride is relatively flat, except for a 17% grade hill I can't avoid on the way home. So, I ended up with a triple 50-39-30. In addition I'm using Shimano Sora brifters (nowhere near the top of the line), because the smaller thumb shifter is easier for me to manage with thick lobster gloves or mittens. In any event, I've ridden these hard for three years in all kinds of nasty winter weather and have had no problems with them. Are they as quick and smooth as my Dura Ace brifters on my go fast road bike? No, but they are more than adequate.