First, figure out just how low a bottom gear you require. Next, figure out how high a top gear you really need. If the ratio between the two numbers is less than 3:1, you can probably come up with a great 14-, 16-, or 18-speed combination with a double chainring. If you need more range, seriously consider the triple, particularly if you like your gear ratios close together, as I do.
At age 55, in an area with moderate hills, I happily use a variety of gearing schemes on the road:
50-42 / 13-15-17-19-21-23-26 (104 down to 44 gear-inches)
48-45-34 / 13-15-17-19-21-23 (100 down to 40)
45-42 / 13-15-17-20-23-26 (93 down to 44, superb for commuting and transportation)
The real key is to give up 100+ gearing, such as 53/11, which you probably don't need. Well into the 1970s, a 100-inch top gear was plenty for the Tour de France, and it still is for me.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069