Triple / double trade-off

[HLaB]

I run a 39/53, 12-25; a 38/39, 11-25 and a tripple 30/42/52, 12-26. Trying to take out of the equation what bike they are on I think the 30/42/52, 12-26 is the best for me as with it I could keep a heavier bike up with the ERClub on the 42 in windy conditions, the 39 can do similar but it is on a lighter bike and the 38 is just a bit too small, a compact 34 would be far too small. Most of my riding is done in the big ring so there's not much difference there for me but if I had a 50 I think it would be noticeable and the get out clause of the granny can be useful, going up Redstone Rigg against wind and rain springs to mind.

 

[2Loose]

I like my Compact, little ring up to 10-17mph and the big ring anything over 10 to 35.
The overlap suits me fine around here - small ring for starting off, harder uphill bits or head wind conditions, big for anything else.

 

[twobiker]

11/32 and a 30/42/52 give all the gears I need , it must be just personal preference, the 11 and 52 is great for scalping over the moors.