There are rides where I wished that I had a triple - or a quadruple, for that matter! Simple fact is that when I bought my bike last fall, LBS owner said "you don't need triples in New Jersey". Which is true, once you're in shape. Having started from no road riding for 25 years to riding "B" level rides over the course of the winter, I'm quite happy with my double 9 spd at this point. Next bike, I'll probably get a compact double. Also, I wasn't aware that I was required to sign a release before buying a bike with a double...