Compact vs Standard chainset

[aea730]

I never thought I would look for anything more that a compact setup but Im finding now that Im running out of gears on some rides, Im at the top of my cadence and feel like I could push a bigger gear.
Im obviously cautious about not handicapping myself on the uphills but the rides I do rarely result in me being at the bottom end of my gears.

What are the general views on compact vs a 50+ front ring?

[aea730]

Greg66 said:

Are you spinning out on the flat or downhill?

If downhill, work on an aero descending position. You'll probably get more benefit from that than you would from pedlaling a sprocket with one fewer teeth.

If on the flat, find a pro team willing to sign you!

Hmmm, like that one Greg, it's the downhill into flat sections where I seem to run out. Certainly nothing to do with my Kittel like performance ,

[aea730]

Just a bit more info which makes me think maybe I'm under geared at the back

I'm 50/34 chainset

The rear block is 13 14 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 21. 23. 26

Would I benefit from some revision to the block, I'm just conscious of not ending up with big gaps in the gearing

[aea730]

Yes I use my 26 ....because it's there I suppose. If I didn't have it I guess I would be dropping onto the small chainring sooner when things start going wards.
I'm inclined towards the 11 or 12 though just to see how it goes