Originally Posted by
briscoelab
Well, a 34 x 23 is really close to a 39 x 27 (something a little easier than having a 26tooth in the back actually). The 11-23 gives you nice tight spacing too. But the really problem is the lack of gear overlap on a 50/34 setup if you riding on mixed terrain. I rode compact for a while and often felt like I was hunting for gears between the two chainrings. I'd often end up just mashing in the big ring until I couldn't stand it anymore. When I got strong enough, I got a standard double and couldn't be happier.... now I actually use my small ring.
<snip>.
+1 - I agree with a lot of this. I am running a compact on 2 of my rigs right now and basically rode compact for 75% of last year. At first I hated it. Then I got used to it and kind of liked it.
When I run a standard double I find I have natural feeling crossover points. I use both rings, etc. With a compact I am in the big ring the whole time. When I am on the small ring I am on a hill and only using the last 2-3 cogs on the cassette. You end up feeling like you gave up a lot of gears.
Hilly rides (obviously outside of Illinois) I will continue to use a compact. As for now...I just polished up my 53/39 and got a new chain.....