I ride a compact; it originally came with 50/34 (12-25 cassette), but I swapped out the 34 for a 36. I don't like going about about 38mph, which is fine for the gearing I have. Above 35mph I'm not pedaling anyway.

I also don't have any trouble spinning at 110 rpm or higher, though. If you're more of a masher, you may have trouble with a 50-12.