switch to a compact - road bike

[HLaB]

My triple is a shimano 2303 52/42/30 square taper and was thinking of swapping it for the compact equivalent shimano 2300 50/34. Thought it might just be a straight swap.

I had that gearing on my Sirrus Ive had IMO the best I've had, you'll loose a bit of top speed, make climbs harder and create wide gear ratios which may upset your rythm; I would stick with what you've got.

 

[uclown2002]

Honestly...because I feel like people think I've got it easy when they see I have triple. Probably wrong to think like that but everyone seems to have a compact

ffs

In all seriousness, who cares what others think.

I've got 2 bikes; one with a compact and the other with a triple, although I didn't know difference when I bought them.

Although I have no need for a triple, and probably get another compact or a double next time, my triple works just fine and I enjoy riding it.

 

[jowwy]

Stick with the triple - i got triples on all my bikes, ride it and enjoy

 

[TheDoctor]

Genuinely - ride it for a while, see what you think.
If you want a compact because it'll suit your riding style better, then go for it
But don't be swayed by what you think other people might think. Other people are idiots.
Especially people on cycling forums. And especially me

 

[albion]

Maybe it depends where you live whether you need a compact or triple.
On the approach to the 20% hill I can click the triple twice before settling into near bottom gear.

I'm certainly not sure about style, I just think a triple more suits both the north east terrain and my non competitive cycling.

 

[cosmicbike]

Honestly...because I feel like people think I've got it easy when they see I have triple. Probably wrong to think like that but everyone seems to have a compact

Don't fall into the fashion trap
All 3 of my bikes are triples, I like the way they ride, I enjoy not having to faff with front & rear changes to get the gear I want etc etc, and I ride for me, not for everyone watching..

 

[jazzkat]

I've got a triple. I wouldn't be bothered about changing it for a compact.
Nobody has ever commented on my using a triple, but, stuff 'em, it's your bike, just enjoy it

 

[User482]

Honestly...because I feel like people think I've got it easy when they see I have triple. Probably wrong to think like that but everyone seems to have a compact

I have two road bikes - one with a triple (53/42/30) and one with a compact (50/34). The triple is better - the middle ring offers a perfect spread of cruising gears, the granny is there for steep climbs and the big ring for pressing on. With the compact, I have to shift more frequently, plus the large gap in ratios means I have to shift two gears at the back at the same time.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

My triple has pretty much the same range about 30-105" as most compacts but as been mentioned better ratios, again I hardly use the inner 30th but I never view at as a granny ring as you wouldn't call a 34x28 a granny gear so why call a 30x25 a granny ring, both about 31"

 

[dickyknees]

I have two road bikes - one with a triple (53/42/30) and one with a compact (50/34). The triple is better - the middle ring offers a perfect spread of cruising gears, the granny is there for steep climbs and the big ring for pressing on. With the compact, I have to shift more frequently, plus the large gap in ratios means I have to shift two gears at the back at the same time.

My triple is 50/39/30 and compact 50/34 and totally agree with User482' comments.