Hi,

I switched from a triple to a compact double about a year ago. It is possible to get exactly the same gearing minus one gear in a compact and the difference in shifting makes that one gear loss unnoticeable. I find it
much smoother, much easier on hills and no loss at all. When I was
thinking of the shift the bike shop I use suggested I ride my usual rides
without going down into the final "granny gear" and see if that worked.
It did and so I made the shift and wouldn't consider returning to the cumbersome triple. I have never de-chained since making this shift and
feel total confidence in the compact double. I also find that the new
gearing ratios make it so that I ride most of the time in the double and
rarely use the top ring other than for long flats or descents.

Hope you get back on your bike soon...it's the best depression medicine out there!!!