Bicycle Mechanics - Switching cranksets

Hi everyone,

My bike is currently running a standard 53/39 double crankset. The groupset is mostly Ultegra 6500 with a Dura-Ace front derailler.

I am considering replace the current crankset with a compact double. So the question is, other than swapping the crankset itself and tuning the gear, is there anything else I also have to change?

Thanks

FD - braze-on or clamp-on?

Also, you can take some links out of your chain.

You have to lower your front derailleur, or is that included in "tuning the gear"? As mentioned above, you probably need less links in your chain. When you break the chain, bypass the rear derailluer (for measurement purposes only) and run the chain over the biggest cog and your big chainring of the new crank, then add one full link. That's the optimum chain length.

Lower your front derailleur and re-adjust as needed.
Options also include using a FSA Grossmer aluminum crank with the Shimano BB no need to change anything else, many don't like the FSA Grossmer cranks but I used one to see if I liked using a compact crankset it was good once I got it setup correctly.

Lower your front derailleur and re-adjust as needed.
Options also include using a FSA Grossmer aluminum crank with the Shimano BB no need to change anything else, many don't like the FSA Grossmer cranks but I used one to see if I liked using a compact crankset it was good once I got it setup correctly.


A pile of poo would shift better than an FSA gossamer. I've seen $400 hybrids with LBS markup that shifted better than that crankset. Pure garbage.

Does the typical braze-on FD hanger reach down far enough for a compact crankset?

BTW, someone tell me I'm not the only one who feels they look like crap.

Does the typical braze-on FD hanger reach down far enough for a compact crankset?


Yes.

53/39 to 50/34 typically. If you're f.d hanger can't handle 3t difference, it's a pile of poo

I was thinking of something with like a 46t big ring...