Originally Posted by ls01

This crap makes no sence to me. why do I give a rip if you all dont like my tripple? I ride a ultegra tripple and it shifts flawlessly, everytime. actually I have 3, two tens and a 9. 30, 39, 52, I go with a tripple because when I do hill work I am waisted when I am finished. sometimes I need the granny to get up my friggin driveway. Most of you 150 LBS. guys can easily push a standard crank up a long hill, no problemo. but I weigh 240lbs. still think a double is reasonable? you really think that 6 oz. of a granny gear sprocket is something that keeps us beginers and non profesional wannabee's up at night with worry? me, when I am in shape and a little lighter, can climb o.k. not great, but I get there. But, I am still out there having fun.
and yes a compact double is a compromise, that most of the time should be just as embarasing to the user as you think a triple is. why? because you gave up your high gears. you are saying to the world that you dont need those gears at the top of the chart because you never use them ,ie. you never go that fast anyway! you gave up those gear combinations just to have a double. That my friend is some strange reasoning. but you dont hear anything about that.
the point is ,that as has been stated ,a tripple , compact, or double is a tool. just as personal as a seat selection. with a tripple if I dont need the granny I just dont select it. but with a double, if I need it .....I guess I am pushing.