I much prefer a road triple because I still get to keep the standard double with a 52 or 53 big ring. Last weekend I did a tri with a 18.8 bike leg. I had a 52/42/30 up front and 12-28 7 speed out back. 90% of that ride I was on the 52 and 4 smallest cogs. But at the halfway turnaround point there was a steep hill about 400-500 yards long that had many struggling and some walking up. I went to the granny and had a few gears to work with. I topped the hill, turned around, then onto the 52/12. I smoked down the other side laying waste to a lot of riders! I was only on the granny for a short time but it was worth it. You just can't get that with a compact. You have to give up something.