UMMMM how to you do this with Downtube shifters? HAHA but seriously, shifting used to take a bit more thought, planning, and skill.... (where's the emoticon witht he stirring canoe paddle?) And yes, I am still running downtube shifters....

I run DT shifters too. Compact crank with a 7 speed cassette.

I do this more and more, shift down in the front and up twice in the rear in one motion and I'm in the perfect gear right between two that don't quite fit. Typically for me heading up a small incline when staying in third in the front and just shifting it down is too much.

When were kids, we used to have double shift friction D/T shifters.

And bang off upshifts in sprints with are knees.

And we walked 3 miles uphill through the snow to school.

I wouldn't say that. Particularly on a triple, I'd avoid the extremes, especially small/small. Inefficient, noisy and much more chain wear.

This.

Though I still (sometimes) hammer the double-change at the same time and risk a chain drop - which only happens about one time in 10.

Good point. Had my last downtube shifters maybe 20 years ago? I don't think I ever dropped a chain with them. Life was simpler back then.

I haven't seen a triple on a road bicycle in like forever. I'm just thinking that there's too much thinking.

Perhaps, it should be stated that in order to be elegant, you have to break some eggshells. It's not like the rider in question will always be in a less than preferred gear selection. I worry less about being inefficient, noisy or chain wear than what breakfast is being served in the Fukishima cafeteria. I try to focus on the fun of riding my bike as hard as I can on any given day. I hope everyone does. But, whatever floats a boat.

For the record, I've been obnoxious (not dangerous) during a ride to see where a person's humor lies. I won't push it though. Just a little test.

Riding a bike for the last thirty plus years like I was 12.

shifting under a load crosschained might get you a broken chain.

I feel compelled to jump in on this subject.

I logged 5K road miles last year on a triple/8speed cassette. (This was on a 31lb mtb with knobby tires for what its worth.) Front ring changes were no big deal. Two rear changes at most were necessary to accomodate a drop in the front. On occasion I'd change front/rear at the same time, no issue, but I was aware that there could be issues. All was good and right with the world - except I was logging 5K miles on a mtb with knobbies.

This year I switched to road bike with 50/34 and 10 spd 12-28. HOLY CR@P! Changing front rings (big to small) is such a huge change!!! No biggie I thought - I'll just bring back the old double shift!!! Holy CR@P!!!! I still need an extra rear shift to accomodate the front change - but I can only get 2 out of my 105 shifter!!!!! So I guess I need the double-double shift. Not to mention the fact that with the 10 spd rear I need 3-4 up shift just to crest a hill.

Personally, I really dont like the compact gearing, nor the 10 speed rear. I have to plan too far in advance to go from 50-34 because the old simultaneous front/rear shift is just not enough to cover the difference in front to rear. I've got about 1,500 on the new ride and I'm going to have to ditch the 34 in favor of something bigger.....

See my post above. My last road bike had DT shifters and I did not have to plan as much for a shift with them under any circumstances as I do with a drop from 50-34.....

Bump...same with 9 speed..swift.

...both ways.

This is why really like triples. With only a 13 or 9 teeth difference in front it is easier to maintain cadence and speed while shifting. I also note that CX guys run 46 36 or even 46 38, I assume for the same reason.

I ride a triple and have the same reaction whenever I rent or test ride a compact double. I just try to stay in 50 most of the time unless the hill is steep, then shift well in advance to small small combo. Lots of cross chaining.

FYI some of the older STIs did switch 3 at a time. Dunno about SRAM. The Campy shifters do a fantastic job of this, switching 3 is quick and easy.

I saw a reference to Campy higher up in this thread and will have to look into this. I also shift well in advance. This works well on well known routes. Where the compact set up really bugs me is when I find myself needing to bail out - and then I have to bail out in a big, big way!!!!

Short and cheap solution may be a bigger small chainring. Expensive solution is Campy.....