Compact or triple?

Stuart123

I currently use a triple and am wondering how I can ensure I get close to the same range if I were to replace it with a compact...

I can count the teeth on fron (smallest and biggest chain rings) and likewise on the back (smallest and biggest cog).

Then what?


As a general rule, can I expect to get a similar range with bigger gaps or am I going to lose out?

Stuart

maddog 2

smallest front ring on a compact is 33t, although hey usually come with a 34t

and a standard road triple is 30t, although you can go lower

big rings on compacts are usually 50t

triples are 52, usually.

so a triple will always have a bigger range

or put another way, if both setups have the same range, then a triple can do it with smalller gaps.

this argument is well documented, if you do a search all the arguments are there. Basically: compact looks better, lower Q, lower weight, easier setup, triple can have a bigger range, lower lowest gear, higher highest gear and smaller gaps. The difference in the amount of shifting depends on how and where you ride though.