For my hybrid, I went with this, and have absolutely no regrets:

http://www.amazon.com/Truvativ-Firex...9443477&sr=8-2



Unfortunately, it looks like it's only 9 speed compatible.

I don't yet have a road bike - so my commuter is my road bike for now. It helps me tackle the local hills that have long-enough stretches of 10-11% grade climbs and several 15-16% short climbs. There's no way I could do this on the compact double that came installed on my bike from the factory...even with a 34-tooth rear cog.

I, too, prefer having a close-ratio rear cassette (I usually use a 9 speed 11-26t) so that I can find my perfect cadence at nearly any speed.