Originally Posted by TomRides

I too like you came from mountain biking over to road cycling. I abadoned my MTB (for the most part) for a couple of years before going back to it last fall. I also went from a triple, to a compact double (50/34-12/27) on my road bike.

What I WILL tell you is that when I did return to the trails, I was AMAZED at how much stronger I was after logging 2k miles a season on the road. As for the compact, I've not yet met a hill or at least on rare occasion where I was looking for another gear..my strategy has been to pick a gear..and just stick with it..and try to get up in a little higher gear where I can.

I was always a good climber on the mountain bike, but the climbing is different. Stick with the double..maybe move to a 12/27 rear cassette..and just ride it..you'll get stronger and will be glad you didn't go backwards to a triple..you'll enjoy smoother shifting, and you WILL get stronger..and after a solid season of the roadie side, you'll be surprised when you get back on your MTB.

Have fun!