This has probably been over-discussed, but I need a simple, idiot type explaination...
My buddy rides up on his new C-dale with Durace...says that it is compact design... I have an older Ultegra- 'regular' design. He says that he is getting familiar with the gearing, but is unsure if he likes it.
Aren't we talking about ratios here? Why should he have to "get used to it", if the ratios are the same? Like on my singlespeed...I run 2:1 (34/17)...which is the same as 32:16, etc.
So, what is compact design?

There are "compact" frames and compact cranksets. I'm assuming we're talking cranksets here. Most compact cranks come with 34/50 chainrings although with the smaller 110mm BCD, you can run larger rings. The standard crank these days is 39/53. The ratios still end up being 2:1 roughly so 34-25 is the same as 39-29 for example.

The "get used to it" part is that you end up with more double shifting usually. Otherwise, it's no different

A compact crankset has a 110 BCD, smallest possible chainring is 34t. A standard Shimano crankset has a 130 BCD, smallest possible chainring is 38. A standard Campagnolo crankset has a 135 BCD, smallest possible chainring is 39. A compact frame has a sloping top tube.