Road Cycling - Compact cranks- raceworthy?

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zensuit
08-22-04, 04:32 PM
I am thinking about changing out my triple (already, I know, but the mountains are being climber in higher gears than the bailout and I would like to switch my triple to my 'dale and make it a cross bike) and can't come up with even ONE good reason for not going with a compact crank, in particular the FSA 50-34. Then I'll put a 12-25 cassette on the back. I can spin pretty fast when needed. I will race this bike next year, so anybody tell me where they think there could be issues in racing compact cranks...I appreciate every opinion.

Thanks in advance,

Z

Moonshot
08-22-04, 05:29 PM
Think about jumping from your large chainring to your small chainring.

With a compact you'd likely have to do two or three clicks with your rear derailleur whereas with your standard crankset you'd do just one or two clicks to make the transition from large chainring to small chainring smooth.

If this doesn't seem like a big deal to you then you are likely a candidate for a compact. If, like me, this bothers you then it's probably best that you stay away from the compact crankset.
sydney
08-22-04, 05:37 PM
I am thinking about changing out my triple (already, I know, but the mountains are being climber in higher gears than the bailout and I would like to switch my triple to my 'dale and make it a cross bike) and can't come up with even ONE good reason for not going with a compact crank, in particular the FSA 50-34. Then I'll put a 12-25 cassette on the back. I can spin pretty fast when needed. I will race this bike next year, so anybody tell me where they think there could be issues in racing compact cranks...I appreciate every opinion.

Thanks in advance,

ZYou'll loose top end.

Moonshot
08-22-04, 05:39 PM
Not if he currently is running 53/12 and goes to 50/11. He'll actually gain top end.

Otherwise, you are correct.
sydney
08-22-04, 06:11 PM
Not if he currently is running 53/12 and goes to 50/11. He'll actually gain top end.

Otherwise, you are correct.He said he was going to use a 12x25
zensuit
08-22-04, 06:14 PM
Not if he currently is running 53/12 and goes to 50/11. He'll actually gain top end.

Otherwise, you are correct.

right now I'm running 52/13 and would be going to 50/12, not much to give up...since I am a new convert from downtube shifters, I don't see the big deal in popping the left ergo lever a couple of times to hit the big ring, but I can see why others wouldn't like it...