Originally Posted by NoRacer

I used to run a compact, but I always felt at a disadvantage in races, even when running an 11x23 cassette. Also, I would burn out my legs and energy systems spinning a high cadence for many of the faster rides with the race team or during the fast club rides.

Earlier this year, I became a masher of the highest order when I switched back to a 53/39 up front. After a while, on the fast group rides, I did much better and started looking for a higher gear, but there wasn't any to be had. So, as a Christmas gift to myself for my base training phase, I've switched to 54/42 up front and 11x23 in the back. Over the past month, I've gotten strong enough to push the 54 99% of the time and only switch to the 42 on the steepest hills.