I'm running a 50/34 with an 11-23 cassette and it's fully capable of cross chaining no problem - no issues like you're speaking of (not that I intentionally cross chain)... Ultegra group w/ R700 crank. I love my compact. I run in my 50 just about all the time, but know that if I'm hurting I've got the 34 there to tow me along.