I am having this debate with myself as we speak. I am buying a new bike and the bike that I really love comes with a compact double. My second choice bike comes with a triple. The first bike is the avail alliance and the second on my list is the avail 1. I really loved the feel of the avail alliance but im not sure if i can live with the compact double. I have hills everywhere around here. I very rarely use the "granny gear" on my current bike but when I need it I NEED IT! I could of had this bike over a month ago if I could just make up my mind. Hopefully this weekend Im going back to ride them both one more time and I WILL make my mind up. Its good to hear all of your opinions.