oh man, I think I need to do something like this. I wrote about it last year when I changed from a similar set up (specialized tricross triple w/ 11-34) to a Trek Madone 5.2 compact with a 11-25. My poor knees and hips were so mad! I switched the 11-25 to an 11-28, but sometimes I still miss those last few gears.

Anyone do a similar swap out with a compact? I see the option to change the front chain ring. Anyone have experience?