add me to the (small) group that advocates the compact double. i just switched (ultegra 10-speed) this year and i'm real glad i did. it is easier to go up hills without the leg burn if you have a smaller chain ring. and i'm having fun finding i spend more time in the big chain ring than i ever did before because of the lower gearing. i'd hate to think of a situation where i'd need more than the 34-25 gear ratio - what a climb that would be!

i'm also in my 50's and carrying about 10 extra pounds. when i lose that weight - lookout!!