I had triples on hybrids, road bikes and mountain bikes. I have owned 2 compacts. I have no interest in ever owning a triple again. With my 11/28 cassette, I have almost as much range as a triple. I love the trim on the Ultegra. I can primarily use the 34 chain-ring for all situations. I haven't found a big enough downhill to spin out the 34 with the 11 sprocket. I was spinning out a 12 sprocket with the 34.

I was quite pleased with the 105 also on my previous bike. The only thing I can complain about the 105 is a short chain life.

I know you like the idea of the shifter not being part of the brake lever. There is a steep short twisty hill on a trail that I use. I can brake and down-shift at the same time with my Ultegra.