Compact Double or Triple?

[TxDoc]

aaah the old staple discussion...
whatever makes you happy

I have to agree here, the gearing choice is a common debate here, and is very personal. The terrain definitely is a factor - but also personal preference and riding style.
Try a few bikes with a triple, then a few with a standard double, and then a few with a compact double - and see what suits your riding style best.
The 'big jumps' you mention were common with 5-6-7 speed cassettes, but are very unlikely today with 10 or 11 cogs.

[mauisher]

Thanks for the replies. Sorry this is an "old" subject but it seems the technology keeps changing which keeps this discussion going. It's hard for me to try any bikes here in my size (small or 52 cm c-t) without a triple due to a limited inventory at the local bike shops. Most of the bike shops here recommend a triple due to the mountains and wind and that's pretty much what they carry. I can only compare what I have (7-speed compact and 9-speed triple), so your opinions are important. Thanks, again.