Originally Posted by
cruiserhead
I dislike compact. There is too much cross-chaining to get the right gear and you can't push a big gear like you can with a 53/39.
53/39 12-23 combo works everywhere. Mountains, flats... standard works great.
It all depends on your power/weight ratio. Personally, I have less cross chaining using a compact than a standard. With a standard 12-23 I probably spend most of my time in the 53-19 or 17. I only go to the little ring for hills and stiff headwind. With a compact I would be a little closer to the center of the rear cluster. YMMV.