Given the rest of the bike, I think going to the Record compact makes a lot of sense. I have mine set up with the 13-29 cassette and it works very well. It's an excellent climbing set up, I ride hills all the time. I have the 50-34 crank and there is no problem with the 16 tooth jump. I'm sure there is a little loss off the top end but I'm not racing so I really don't notice it. I think it is a very good solution especially if you are trying to avoid a triple. I have nothing against a triple, but it just seems like too many gears, and too much overlap. The compact keeps things fairly simple, yet gives me all the range I need.