Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano R600/105/Ultegra equivalent from other manufacturer

I'm looking to replace my standard crank with a compact double but don't know a whole lot about the various brands of cranks, other than Shimano. I'm looking for something at the 105 or ultegra level. I can get the Shimano, of course, but am wondering if I can get something just as good, and save a little, by going with another brand. I'm not wedded to any particular brand. I would be putting this on a bike with 9 speed Ultegra brifters (6500), an ultegra (double) front derailler (6500, I think), and a 105 RD. Any suggestions?

My preference would be to stay with Shimano. As an alternative Suguino makes good cranks. FSA makes many models but has a checkered reputation for quality and shifting smoothness. Truvative/SRAM is another possibility and should be satisfactory.

I recommend avoiding any crank using an ISIS bottom bracket. Some were OK but many were very poor. Shimano's Octalink bb has proven durable and smooth in my experience but is obsolete and only one model (BB-5500) is now in production.

Newer external bearing bottom brackets are almost universally 10-speed and you may have some rubbing with a wider 9-speed chain.

good luck with the search. the above advice is good. its hard enough trying to find middle rings for triples, they are available but not widely

With using brifters I agree with HillRider to avoid compatability issues. Do your homework, depending on the age of your bike you likely will need a new BB and FD for the compact crankset.

If I may ask why are you going compact?

I think this is hard to beat.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=50444

well, okay, there is this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=67233
but it's not in stock for a while.

they all shift the same, and the quality is VERY similar. I think the only difference will be weight and colour.

And be sure you get the length you want. Don't let price dictate what length to buy.

If you watch Ebay, you can get new 105 compacts for under $150, bin, pretty regularly. You can find Tiagra for less and that might look better if you have a vintage style bike.

If you watch Ebay, you can get new 105 compacts for under $150, bin, pretty regularly. You can find Tiagra for less and that might look better if you have a vintage style bike.

when buying newer components, ebay really sucks compared to the UK sellers, CRC, PBK, wiggle and ribble.

Generally, that is correct. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-10-Speed-105-FC-5650-Compact-Crankset-50-x-34-175mm-/130647189566?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e6b2de83e

when buying newer components, ebay really sucks compared to the UK sellers, CRC, PBK, wiggle and ribble.
+1. I've had excellent service from Wiggle and other riders i know have had equally good experiences with PBK and Ribble.

Generally, that is correct. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-10-Speed-105-FC-5650-Compact-Crankset-50-x-34-175mm-/130647189566?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e6b2de83e

but only available in 175mm. If the OP is using 175mm, then it's a good deal, otherwise it's not.


If anyone asks why, think about it. If AA batteries are cheaper, but your remote works with AAA, does buying the AA pack make it a good deal?

Why are you people suggesting 10 speed compacts when the OP has 9 speed? Shimano makes a non series 9 speed specific compact crank!

when buying newer components, ebay really sucks compared to the UK sellers, CRC, PBK, wiggle and ribble.

Probably true. However, I have scored several compact cranksets off ebay for a fraction of the UK seller price. But I am very patient.