l have an all purpose/utility bike, '89 Fuji Ace that I have equipped with a triple with a 9 speed rear12/28. The front is 50/38/28. I live in the flatland of south coastal De., so climbing is not a factor here. My real reasons for the triple are the wind, carrying weight, and I just happen to have that crank set on hand. I have a quite of mix of components and use DT shifters set in friction mode. That makes it about as easy as it can be. I do like having the triple on this bike as I feel it just adds to the utility aspect. I can also use it for traveling without concerns of scratching or marring it in some way. and it allows for usage on a variety of terrains. It maxes out with 32mm tires.