I need to address the issue of shifting on a triple. The shifting on the cassette is the same between a triple and a double. The triple having another chain ring on the front does slow down the shifting. However, you will be doing less shifting the front with a triple. 95% of the time I am in the middle chain ring and do not need to do any shifting on the front. I seldom use the big chain ring but will use the smallest chain ring on the nastiest hills or if I am exhausted and can't turn the pedals anymore.

If you are a flatlander, get a standard. If you live in a hilly area, a compact or a triple can give you the same range. However, the triple will have closer gear ratios but will weigh more and not shift as nice on the front chain rings.

I have been considering switching to a compact but I like having the closest gear ratios so I am sticking with my triple at this time.