I went from 53-39-30 to 50-34 for last summer's WI trip and didn't like it so much. I had always spent most of the time in the 39. With the compact double I was shifting the front a lot more than I like. My preference is a tight rear cluster and a front chainring that works on everything except super steep (and I don't push high gears --doing light-ish touring). I'm currently building up a 42-26 front with a corn-cob rear for next summer to see if I like it. I'll report back any insights (if there are any).