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.