Shouldn't that be 50/34 on the compact? (I thought 53/39 was a normal double like you'd find on 70's and 80's roadbikes...)

Regardless, +1 on the Triple (I have one on my touring/Rando bike - saves my bacon a) on big gnasty hills and b) at the end of a long long ride and I'm running out of juice). For that matter, you don't necessarily need to replace it once you get stronger...just simply don't shift into granny gear...unless ego gets in the way, which is sort of my affliction, at times