OP didn't specify the purpose for the bike. FWIW, my Grand Jubilé set up for long distance commuting (with 30-odd lb payload) has a single step + "granny" triple setup:
36/48/52
13/14/15/16/17/19

I use all the non-redundant gears on every commuting trip (unless there is a very stiff headwind obviating the 100+ gears on the downhills).