[QUOTE=big john;23021286]On my triple road bike, 52-39-30, I can do a lot of rides without ever using the small ring./[QUOTE]
Shoot, back when I was doing a ridiculous amount of climbing, I had a triple and almost never used the small ring. The grade had to be stupid steep to need that small ring.
Originally Posted by
big john
On my compact double bike I can stay on the big ring until there is a significant climb.
Same for me. The big ring is fine for anything that isn't long and/or steep.