Well, my recumbents have 24-42-52 triples. The Shimano FD-R443 front derailleur handles the upshift pretty well, but it's a heck of a jump. It's kind of like spin-spin-spin-shift-grind-grind. Best done when the hill's flattened out.

It's hard to see, but both bikes are pictured on the http://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...r-gugie-2.html thread.

We usually use the 42 tooth rings for cruising and the 52 tooth rings for zooming. If we need to drop to the 24 tooth, well, we really need it. The missus and I have climbed 17 percent grades carrying touring loads. Pedaling at 3mph is no fun, but it beats getting off and pushing.