Originally Posted by 55/Rad

I regulary ride a 53/39 with a 12/25. I recently changed one bike to a compact 50/34 with an 11/23. Honestly, after learning where the gears are, I've noticed absolutely no difference at all. The range is virtually the same as a 12/27, so there is a little more climbing gear - it's nice to have but not used much. The tighter cluster is nice and smooth but, as mentioned, more often requires a shift of 2 gears than with the standard double.

The good thing with the compact is that I can put a 12/27 on occasionally for the big hill rides. But how often is that? Haven't needed it yet and I love climbing.

I'd lean towards the triple.

55/Rad