Bicycle Mechanics - Crankset and Bottom Bracket advice

Moved from the flatlands of Nebraska to the mountains of Washington State and my standard double with 11-23 cassette wasn't cutting it (or maybe I'm not tough enough). I bought a 12-27 cassette and installed it but also bought but didn't install an Ultegra FC-6750 Compact Crankset and Ultegra SM-BB6700 Bottom Bracket to replace the Dura-Ace Strandard Crank on my 2003 Merlin Agilis (9 speed). I have 7000 miles on the crank and it looks like it is in pretty good shape.

So I'm having buyer's remorse for dropping $235 on the Ultegra crank and bb. Considering returning them because I don't know if I need them. Climbed a 7-mile Cat 1 last week and was out of the saddle in 39-27 for the last mile but it wasn't like I needed another gear (it would have been nice though).

On the other hand, I think I got a good deal. Wondering if it best to hold on to them since I'm guessing I'll eventually need to replace the DA crank anyway, plus I'm not getting any younger.

Sorry for the rambling. Guess I'm wondering: (1) Is $235 a good deal for what I got, (2) How long does a DA crank last, (3) What would you do?

Can't say if you got a good deal, but Dura Ace cranks last a looooong time. If the 39t is almost enough, I would get a 38t to try. 38t is as low as you can go on a 130bcd crank.

Thanks badamsjr. I have considered a 38t. Any advice on brand or where to buy?

1. Yes, you got a decent price for the Ultegra compact and bb.
2. A looong time.
3. Use the Dura Ace until the chainrings are completely shot, then install the Ultegra.

As to a 38T chainring, the difference is only 2.5% and I doubt you will notice it. Also, your 39T chainring is "matched" to your 53T big ring to improve shifting and any aftermarket 38T won't be.

As HillRider says, you could use the Dura Ace till it is worn out, and while waiting, find an Ultegra set and BB on sale, to install when the DA dies. I have gotten a couple 38's, FSA I think, but do not remember off hand where--probably ebay.

Thanks for the advice. I won't worry about the DA crank going bad so that eliminates that point. Just saw the Ultegra compact and bb on eBay for $225-$230 shipped so I didn't get a spectacular deal. The only reason to keep them now is if I need them to do some of the climbs around here. I'm going to test two more of the popular climbs in the next week and make the call from there.