One of my bikes is a triple. The other is a compact double.

For hauling loads and commuting and going up and down hills, I dig my triple.

For going fast with just one little bag on fairly flat terrain I have my CD.

If I could only have one (triple or CD), I'd choose a triple. I *like* my granny gear!

Edit to add: both bikes are steel cyclocross that I use on the road for the most part.