I wouldn't switch.

Triples should be the best option for many riders. But it's easier to sell compact doubles, with fewer different bikes and an easy sales pitch.

Comparing the triple and compact double

Look at the range of 15 mph to 20 mph on both charts. The triple has lots of close gears, so it's easy to get your wanted cadence. And the middle chain ring range is around 13 mph to 22 mph. The double has more gaps on the big chainring from 15 to 22, and it's missing the 16 tooth cog, which makes a gap right at the low 20 mph range.

The Mike Sherman gear calculator links below have these two setups pre-loaded. (The popup message is just saying that you can save those settings as a bookmark.) Changes to gears or cadence update the charts on the fly.

The 105 10-speed triple with 50/39/30 and 12-27. Link to Mike Sherman calculator. A great middle chainring range, and lower low gears too.




Shimano 11-speed compact double with 50/34 and 11-28. Mike Sherman link.