Mike
Here is the deal with a triple. A triple contains all the gearing that a standard double contains , plus, a set of low gears for climbing. The racer set, dislikes the triple because of the few grams of extra weight, a thirty tooth chain ring, a few extra chain links, a little extra metal in the rear derailure. Also because the smaller chain ring makes climbing easy, the user is percieved as week.
The next option is called a compact .instead of 46/52 in the front they give you 36/48 or some other combination of smaller chain rings. With the correct cassette on the rear wheel you get most of the low gears of a triple and some of the top end gears of a standard. And a slightly straighter chain line, this reduces wear by a fraction. Anyway, The bad thing about a compact is you are giving up some gearing somewhere. Usually, the taller gears and maybe it opens up the spread somewhat.
Then is the standard double, which needs no explaination, its the standard.
As far as climbing goes you will get a bigger bang for your buck by riding moreand building strengthand endurance.