I certainly like the compact crank, and the 11/28 cassette. I've only been riding a year since a 25 or so year hiatus, so I am not strong enough to stay out of the small/big combo all the time. Getting better, but even if I htfu significantly, I don't see that my ego will outstrip the fact that I like having a bailout gear. I know it is only a small difference, but I am seriously considering a 30T big cog in the back - just because I'm 54 and a cycling rookie, and I can only get so strong before the years intervene.