one thing i didn't expect was a wider range of gears when i switched to compact. The easier gears are easier and the harder gears are harder. When you shift on the front you really have to travel across the cassette. Which is nice.

I'm using a 50-34 w/ a 12-25. I don't race. I just train, for what who knows. If i want to do intervals i do intervals if a i want to do an endurance ride i do it. The compact gave me more gears to play with and i enjoy it. And racing on a compact with a 11-21 would solve everyones problems, or 11-23.