Originally Posted by knobster

This weekend I'm going to be climbing Iron MTN in Western NC and Roan MTN in Tenn. I climbed both a couple months ago on my Eddy Merckx with a triple (52/42/28 and 13-29 cassette) with not much trouble. The bike is a little small for me and anything over 60 miles and it kills me. I also have a Specialized Tricross comp with a compact double (50/34 and 12-27 cassette) that fits me MUCH better and I've done centuries with no discomfort. Problem is I've never climbed with this Specialized bike and not sure if I'll end up walking a large portion of this climb. I'm ok at climbing so would you take the Merckx with the triple or take the more comfortable Tricross with the compact?

Thanks for your advice!