Try it you will love a compact. I have been riding since 1984 and in 2005 I got a new Bianchi with a carbon compact. I'll never go back. Everyone has really given a lot of good advice. Something to think about is the crank arms should be as close to what you have been riding, other wise it will take your
legs time to adjust to the new spin and new gears. Also the pedels may be wider or closer together than what you have been riding. This is called the Q factor. You might what to wait and change at the first of next year's riding season. Just try it, what do you have to lose. I'm 55 and love the spin, no mashing anymore.