Originally Posted by
Acquaspin
...Ratio spacing mentioned is overrated IMO, range is the issue and compacts give you as much range as you'll possibly need. 50-11 or 50-12 gives you plenty of flat/downhill terrain speed (downhill, bodyweight will make you gain speed faster than any spinning so unlikely to outspun 50-12 or 50-11 unless you turn into a downhill demon). ...
This is exactly why gearing choices need to be made on an individual basis not on a this works for me so it must work for you basis. For me, ratio spacing is a big deal and it is for a lot of people. If you really think your body weight is going to gain speed faster than I can pedaling down a hill you are sadly mistaken. I'd put money on the fact that you can't.
Having been spit out the back of a paceline in the flats while on my compact (50/12) I'm keenly aware that it's not that unlikely.
Having said all that, the compact is a very legitimate choice when used in the appropriate circumstances. The problem with the "it works for me therefore it must work for you" religion is that it doesn't always work for the other person. I have a compact because I was sold the cool aid that it was the way to go and for me in most cases it wasn't. I still use it when the occasion demands it but not very often (about as often as I use my STD double setup. Hopefully what the OP will do is look at all the alternatives and make the appropriate choice for his requirements. If he goes out and buys what you or I think is the optimal set up he may be sorely disappointed.