Compact vs Standard

[Monsieur Remings]

Okay, am looking to be buying another bike soonishly, I am used to an 11-28 on a standard double ring (53/39).

However, the bike I want to buy comes with Dura-Ace 12-25 as a package so, due to the fact I have a 28 in the first place to deal with some of the hills around here whilst still on a standard chainset, what would people recommend? I know that some may say I can change the cassette but I'd rather get it right the first time, especially if it's Dura-Ace quality. I also think that some people might say the weight saving aspects of a road bike fitted with Dura-Ace (The Focus Pro 1.0) will help you up a hill but I already have a light, carbon bike and think I would struggle with anything under a 27...?

Of course, at the other end, I don't want what I would consider a much smaller gear on a 50/12 when I'm used to a 53/11 as my top gear?

Whaddya' all reckon?

 

[lulubel]

I always thought having a smaller top gear would be a problem until I had a smaller top gear. It took a few rides to get used to it, but I soon found I was just spinning more (all through the gear range) and it didn't affect my top speed or average speeds at all.

 

[black'n'yellow]

50/12 should be good for 40mph on the flat, if you can turn it quick enough - how fast do you want to go..?