Compact or Triple for the Alps

[Rob Mk2a]

I'm taking my road bike to Alps in August - can anyone recommend the best gearing / compact/triple. I'm not touring - I've previously done a few TdF Mountains before but on a MTB.

Thanks

Rob

[mk1fan]

If all you're doing is riding the mountains then a compact (36 / 50 or 39 / 52) matched to a 12-27 rear cassette should do you. If you're riding a lot of 'normal' roads then I'd go a triple mated to your usual rear cassette. As this will give you the get out of jail gearing if needed in the mountains and you won't have the big leap in the gearing between the inner and outer of the compact.

[oddman]

mk1fan said:

a compact (36 / 50 or 39 / 52) matched to a 12-27

39 isn't a compact

34 or 36/50 is the usual set up. Unless you're a real lardy one of these with 13-27 will do you fine.

T

[pawsmcgraw]

Either is good, especially if you've got a 27 on the back.The only drawback with triple is the specific lever to shift, unless your on 105, then they're all triple shifters
I've got a durace triple on one of my bikes, but i've used the small ring probably half a dozen times in thousands of kms.But when you need to use it, phew, what a relief.Bonking springs to mind!

[0836whimper]

I'd say that unless very experience or quick, you'll need a 34x27 as lowest gear for the alps. Or a triple. Out of the two, a compact looks better and is lighter.