I can see that the lowest gear on the compact double that I'm looking at -- 34/27 -- is pretty much equivalent to the 2nd lowest gear on my current triple: 30/24. So the only thing I'll be giving up is the low-low 30/27 gear, which I've been in rarely and probably could have lived without it even then. Besides, the new bike will be much lighter and equipped for fast training rides instead of touring, so I really think I'll be OK with it.

And I'm keeping the old bike to use for what it's best for anyway.