Tiagra front 52/38 - want to switch to a triple 50/39/30 - any hints?

[Kipperboy]

Need to add a third chainring to help on the steep bits here in Somerset - should I be able to add this directly to the chainset I already have, or is it a case of buying a full 3-ring set up?

 

[jowwy]

i believe you will need to buy a full triple groupset as you will need new shifters, new bb and new chainset

 

[HLaB]

Rather than going to the cost of a new bottom bracket, deraileur , shifters, etc. I would consider if you can put a bigger cassette on the back.
52/38 you say, my previous 52/38 had a compact crank geometery (110mm BCD); if so you may also consider fitting a smaller chainring on the inside a 36 or on both a 34/50.
FWIW I used an 11-28 cassette with my 52/38 for the 160mile Tour of Flanders with some crazy cobbled climbs and it coped fine. I was going to fit a 36t for the Alps but the bike died first

 

[Kipperboy]

Thanks for the advice - will look into the option. Just getting back on it again after a long absence (I find country roads scarier than London streets!?) so very keen to get turning at the right pace.