I don't understand why you need a road bike. Is it because you're not fast enough with your current bike to keep up with the road bikers?

Also, plenty of people have road bikes with triple chain rings. There is no law that says you have to have a double. You should have whatever works best for you, whether that's a triple, double or compact double.

Also I do not feel cramped in the drops with my bike. I feel comfortable. I was not comfortable in the drops with my old road bike -- my hands hurt and I felt I was not in control of the bike. After switching to a WSD bike with a compact handlebar, I feel fine in the drops.