I've not actually tried the 26t inner ring with this set up. I have my doubts that it will work without dropping the FD, which would require a smaller big ring. Like you, I like my 52, even if there isn't a lot of road to use it on for Eroica. As an aside, i did run a 52/34 compact double on my Peugeot with a 28t rear. It worked decently with a Shimano Exage FD, but switched it out for a more "French" Stronglight 99 52/40, still keeping the 28t rear. There was some chain sag and it did drag on the FD cage a little small/small with the 52/34. Ive thought of trying this set-up on the SC but with the 34t rear (1:1) lowest gear. The triple does get hung between gears every now and then, mostly operator error, and the compact double eliminates that, hopefully.