Bought a new bike at 62 this year with compact gearing and although at first I felt like a girlie man now I wouldnt go back. Had my old bike out this am because of the lousy weather we've been having and I could not believe how much more tired my legs felt when done as compared to last Sunday on almost the exact same ride.Besides that my average speed seems to always be greater on the compact. I think pushing smaller gears on the bigger ring has some benefit, perceived or otherwise.Maybe its the leverage I donno but there is a difference.
Should say my first bike had a 52/39 on it, my second a 53/42 which felt a stretch for me as I bought it while over 55 and had been used to the smaller gearing on my first bike. This bike seems like a dream compared to the 53/42.