Originally Posted by bbattle
I've got the FSA compact crank and it works for me. I usually go for a mid 90's cadence and the top 3-4 gears I don't use except going downhill. On the low end, I appreciate that 34-25 when doing mile+ climbs. I'm not 20, just turned 40, so the TDF is out for me. Maybe by the time I've worn out my crank and cassette I'll be enough of a hammerhead to get a "real" double but until then, I'll keep the compact.
ps. I've done the numbers on Sheldon's gear calculator and I'm not missing much; the compact has almost the speed of a double and almost the low end of a triple; it's a very good option to have.
^^^no your not missing much.
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadin...r/gearing.html
"Some maximal speed potential on down hills is lost, but unless you are sustaining speeds of over 33mph on the flats this should not be an issue."
I run a 11-27 and have more than I had than when I ran a 52/39 and 12-25.