I have a compact now, with an 11/25 on back. I've done large group century rides and smaller group rides and have never felt under geared. Just never having raced I didn't know if there was any reason to use anything else. That's why I was wondering if anyone felt they had lost because of a compact. I think my fitness and lack of experience is going to be my biggest challenge. With it being winter time I thought I might be able to catch a sell on a standard if there was a reason to.