As a general rule I would agree...but that is not true if you ride in the Clermont/Minneola/Montverde area. I used the modified standard 53/39 (11/23 cassette) that came with my bike until a couple of months ago when I started riding in the Clermont area. Very steep hills were extremely difficult (even though they were relatively short), and I was forced to stand. Switched to a compact (50/34) with a 12/28 cassette and it made a world of difference. I miss the closeness of my standard cassette gearing, but I find that I shift less on the front ring with the compact than the standard. I used the 39 a lot for group rides under 22 mph, and then shifted into the 53 at 22+ mph. Now I stay in the 50 unless I am on a steep hill. I head to Dahlonega for 6 Gap next week, and I'm sure a triple would be nice, but I will make the best of my 34/28.