Long Torso, Short Legs.

[kelleil]

So What cassette comes on each of the models you are looking at? I would guess the difference isn't huge. Try what's on the bike and if you are experiencing problems then change it. (Now we are only talking about the rear gears here.... changing the *cranks*[front gearing] from say a standard to a compact or to a triple is a whole different proposition, and is expensive)

I've got an 11x28 but thinking of an 11x32. Cuz I'm a newb.

[Eden]

I've got an 11x28 but thinking of an 11x32. Cuz I'm a newb.

Check with a mechanic before you buy that - it may be too big for the derailleur to accommodate. If I'm remembering correctly that one generally requires a long cage derailleur to work properly.

[Crankin]

I have an 11X34 on my custom Guru. It works perfectly. She might have to get a different derailleur, but it's a good option when you have a compact and you need to be able to climb big hills.
I have a 28 on my other bike, which is a triple (I've gone from a 25 to a 27, then 28) and the compact has lower gearing. It took a bit for me to get used to the jumps between gears, but now I like it. I don't use the lowest gears that often, mostly when I am very tired coming up my street/driveway after a long ride. But, I know I will be using them in the Berkshires, etc.