I changed out a standard for a triple in 2007. At the time I needed better gearing than what I had. The triple was used and I got it for a good price so I don't regret it. Since then, I have become stronger and learned a lot about what I need. I now want to change out the entire group for a new compact and here is my reasoning.

I have played around a lot with gear calculators. I currently have a 13/26 with a 53/42/30 Campy crank. If I were to buy a 12/29 with a 50/34 Campy 11 speed compact, I will get almost exactly the same gear ratios as the triple but the gears are more usable for me. For 98% of my riding, I will only need to use the 50 chain ring. Only on the nastiest climbs will I need the 34. Also, the compact weights probably 2 lbs, or close to it, less than my current triple. The compact weighs less not because the triple is heavy, but because 2011 compacts are just a lot lighter than a 2006 triple. The only down side that I can see is that I already own the triple and I will need to pay for the new compact and that is what is stopping me from changing it out now.