Originally Posted by
ProudDaddy
Personal preference I'd say. Living in the Rocky Mountains there are times I wish I had a compact. However, I'd be lost without my 53x11, particularly in races. Hammering down a mountain with a 53x12 you spin out against guys with a 53x11. I just use an 11x26 cassette to have the extra low gear.
It more or less boils down to if you have to ask if you need a 53/39 or a 50/34, you probably don't need standard gearing. Know what I mean?