"Compact frames - a way for manufacturers to get away with making few frame sizes and persuade people that it's a good thing. Although, on the upside a cheap large compact frame is probably stiffer than a cheap large traditional frame. My 25.5 inch Bob Jackson is incredibly stiff, but it's made of 753.
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I agree - I own 1 compact framed bike and although it is good to ride I think it just looks wrong side-on, some of the compacts looked really squashed to me with TT's at steep angles. Horizontal framed bikes look so much better.
Other losses that come to mind:
-Proper headsets - none of this integrated nonsense
-Mavic 501 & 531 Hubs - perfection IMHO & as tough as the cyclists who rode on them!
-LOOK S2 spd pedals - ultra supportive, in-destructable, quality bearings & axle