You can always run a 50/36. (I have this now)

53/39 is good too. (got one of these I had left over on the other bike)

They both have their pluses and minuses and I would be happy to use either one honestly.

The compact does give you more possibilities than the 53/39 and that's why I think it is cool.

Right now I'm planning on building a fixed gear (although to ride on flat ground recovery days) and even a 53/39 w/ 11-23 looks plush compared to this fixie.