Originally Posted by
unterhausen
...
I wouldn't go with a triple....
I really don't understand this comment. I've ridden Sugino XD or Velo Orange triples for over 60,000km of randonneuring without once having any sort of problem. I can't imagine riding PBP without having a low, bailout gear--mine is 24 front, 34 rear. Compact doubles don't get small enough to be able to spin on the steepest hills.
Nick