Originally Posted by DocRay
The other problem with switching to compact is that you need a new front deraileur, and some bikes, like mine, used a welded boss that doesn't reach that low. ...then there' s the complaints all over about after the change, they have shifting problems, a lot more hassle than just choosing my 11-23, 12-25, or 13 -29 cassette.
I didn't need a new FD when I went to a compact, most people I know haven't. It is just a matter of lowering the FD, unless you have a braze-on. I haven't had any shifting problems either, not that some don't...