I've been running a compact setup since February - 50/34-11/23 after running a triple prior to that time. I've yet to drop the chain using a Record CT crankset set with Chorus derailleurs and brifters. I've only done one crit. Pretty much road races for me. When I was running the triple, prior to a race, I would set the lower limit screw on the front derailleur to prevent accidental shifting to the inner chainring. Most race parcours don't have insanely steep hills, so not having my lowest gears wasn't a problem.