I've never claimed to be good on the MTB - but I've only used the granny ring twice:
Twas out on Sunday with a split personality rider who tried to explain to me what a compact is.And there was me thinking you lot carried them for your make up
Don't dis the compact, Fatkid! When your knees are knackered you'll be glad of the ability to spin instead of grinding away like you do! Alberto Contador uses a compact. So did Lance Armstrong in the mountains. I'm over the macho posturing and fully love mine now
this traffic free snake pass...will i find myself nailing it into a load of road works at 40 mph on the way back down???
i've just got back from the alps and i'll eat my words regarding compacts.despite avoiding most hardcore cols i still managed find myself trying to bend my cranks in 39x27 on many a hill.i found that chanting a mantra of " fuck,i'm fucking fucked" and telling myself i could get off and walk at the next hairpin was the only thing that got me up.at least it was a reminder to do more riding.