Originally Posted by Treker

I've read this thread with great interest and, not wishing to usurp the OP, I have a question of my own.

I just bought an new, full carbon, '06 105 compact 50-36 & 13-25 for my daughter - price, size and fit were right. The purpose of the purchase is so that she can accompany me on long, easy rides. The dominant features of the surrounding landscape are flat and rural and she's new to cycling. After reading the preceding posts, I'm wondering if I was a bit too hasty on the purchase.

Question: Is the gear ratio as described more oriented to hills or flats given that she's new to the sport?

I've attempted to understand the gear ratios in all of this to better understand what I've got. On the easiest, ie 36/25 she'll be pulling 1.44. That, in my estimation, should be easier than my own 39/25 at 1.56. If she wishes to pull hard, then her 50/13 at 3.84 is somewhat less aggressive than a standard compact, ie 53/12 at 4.41, hence it should be less effort on her part.

A lot of the preceding discussion on compacts refers to an inner ring with 34T. Overall should we be okay or have I purchased something unsuitable for a 12 year old?

Thx.