I built up my custom bike with a triple. I'm a recreational rider (100-150 miles/week)--a plodder, not a racer.

I'm no longer considered young by most and while I may still get stronger, I may not. Having the triple means that when I'm tired and the wind is strong, I have a gear I can sit back, enjoy the breeze and spin. Having a triple means that when I see that long hill and my energy levels just aren't where they should be, I can sit up, drop into a low gear and climb.

I know I could get the same low gear with a properly designed compact, but, you know, I like having another gear close to the whatever is the current so that on long flat or false flat stretches I can find the perfect happy gear. Call me old fashioned or just call me not-quite-in-shape, but I like my triple.

Oh, and I put on a 30-39-50 with a 13-26 in the rear. And, for me, I've yet to run out of gears, but a lot of women on this board are a lot stronger and would probably never consider such bizarre gearing. I love it. Do what your body and legs need and enjoy your ride.