Originally Posted by JoeOxfordCT
I think people should just ride what they are comfortable with. I too mulled the triple vs. double/compact thing too. I ended up going compact but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't do triple at some point in the future or that I couldn't have done it now and been happy. Let's remember that for those of us who aren't racing, the main thing is to be out cycling, and cycling comfortably. I want to be as fast as possible while still being confident that I have enough gearing to conquer any climb I may happen upon. If there were no such thing as a compact I would have gone triple, if there were no such thing as a 39-27 combo I would have definitely gone triple. If at some point in the future I need/want more gears than I can get with 50-34 with a 10sp 11-28, I'll go for a triple.
I'll go for the quad when they make it if that's all I can ride rather than not ride at all
GA Biker - I'll definitely be interested to hear your feedback on the 11-28 when you get & ride it !
Yes. You are right.
It's those who diss triples as being a non-option that cause the problem. Usually they are young bucks for whom knee problems are not a problem... until they get old.
To declare my interest, I tour. I have heard of so many people being discouraged from using triples or 22-32-44 combinations by bike shop staff whose only interest is in flat-land racer activity. Even on forums discussing frame design and wheel designs, big gears seem to be an issue, rather than ensuring everyone is comfortable with lower gearing.