I am sorting out a road bike for a mate who is doing the dartmoor classic, and there is a few hills out there, and his legs need a bit of help...
his bike is currently running a 39/52 and 12/23 setup.
question is: what would be the better solution to allow him to winch up the hills if he blows up? (irrespective of price)
compact chainset 34/50 or a wider spread on the back say 11-27?
both give roughly the same gain ratios on sheldon browns website...
any problems with either idea?

