There was a post on here a while ago about the relative benefits of these two types of chainset for a road bike. What opinions and experience do people have of 53/39 vs. 50/34. I thought I'd match the standard double with a 12-27 11 speed cassette and the compact with an 11-25. I'm about to buy a new road bike, Basso Astra with Campagnolo Athena. My current road bike, an ancient but elegant Raleigh Road Ace circa 1985, uses 53/39 with a 7 speed 12-28. I'm thinking that because the Basso is SO much lighter I should choose the double option and that losing one tooth at the back will be compensated by the lighter frame and wheels etc. Any help and advice appreciated.

Standard double you big girl

If you're happy with the gearing you have then I'd say double – why change?

I could climb most hills in the peaks on a 38/52 double so never fitted my compact double.

I'm now older and fatter so have just bought a 13-27 cassette to go with the compact :-p