I have to agree I ride one bike with a 53-12 and the other is a 50-11 and basically I have the same gear range a little more on the compact. I suppose if I go to an 11-25 on the standard double I am ahead but really how often would I actually use it? Maybe in a huge tailwind, we don't have downhill mountains in the flats here. I think the 50-11 does the trick with an my 11-23 on the rear, I like this set up I never go to the small ring much at all. I have done 50 mile rides and never came close to going to the small ring. The great thing is that it is there if need in place where I am wipe out. I finally got over the issue but I still like a standard double but at almost 50 I have to think it is ok.