Serotta CSI

I'm an advocate of compacts for the majority of cyclists, including me. My issue with the 50/34 standard is that a 16 tooth drop between chainring is too much, and when you ride one you're forever dicking around between front chainrings and running across the block, and a 34 is too small for the UK.

I agree the jump is too much. I ride a standard and a 46\34 now.

Not sure about the generalisation regarding uk roads though. I have five 20 percent climbs within 20 minuites of my home. Cornwall would be the same. Devon also. I find a 34 more useful on those than on alpine type climbs. Lots of riders just avoid those types of climbs, which is fair enough. None of the local races use them (other than hilly tts).