Compact vs Standard Crankset

Question to Jordan Rapp (Professional Triathlete)

Thanks for the insights. I am running a non-compact crank set with
53/39 gearing. Why a compact crank set? Does it already have the
50/34 gearing? Does it really have any added advantage?

Response:

Yes, standard ring sizes on a compact is 50/34. The bolt circle pattern is smaller (110mm diameter vs. 130mm for a standard).

The point of a compact crankset is basically, if a 53/39 paired with an 11/21 is the right cassette for Lance Armstrong (for example) to race on, when he puts out 6+ watts/kg of power, how on earth can it also be the right gearing for an age group triathlete putting out
(likely) less than half that? Simply put, age group triathletes do not have the power to effectively utilize a pro bike racers gearing set up.

The best change most age-group triathletes can make to their bike would be to change their gearing to a 50/34-12/25 set-up.