compact crank for cyclocross bikes?

[UNHBiker]

would it make that much of a difference if I used a compact crank instead of a cyclocross crank for my cyclocross bike, so instead of doing like 48/38 chainrings I'd be doing I think 50/38. They just seem to be much easier to find.

thx.

[phillybill]

Because of the 110mm bolt diameter you have a wider range of choices for chainrings. As I do more spining of small gears anymore, I use a 46/36 on my Proprad with a Sram 12/26 in the rear. My knees have been very happy with this combination for about a year now.

[dessert1st]

would it make that much of a difference if I used a compact crank instead of a cyclocross crank for my cyclocross bike, so instead of doing like 48/38 chainrings I'd be doing I think 50/38. They just seem to be much easier to find.

thx.

Compact cranks make a lot of sense. And true what phillybill said, you have more ring size options (especially on the smaller end). I'll be running 50/34's cranks with a 12/27 cassette on my bike. Provides extra low gearing for cross races, yet high enough for road riding. If the 50 tooth ring proves to be too big, I'll switch to a 46.

[arctic hawk]

Compact cranks make a lot of sense. And true what phillybill said, you have more ring size options (especially on the smaller end). I'll be running 50/34's cranks with a 12/27 cassette on my bike. Provides extra low gearing for cross races, yet high enough for road riding. If the 50 tooth ring proves to be too big, I'll switch to a 46.

I ran 50/34 for the road & came cross season, went 46/34. Not that I stayed in 46 all that long under race conditions...

[darkmother]

I'm building a cross bike up, and I'm using 110 BCD cranks. How's the front deraileur work with a big drop, like 50/34? Do you end up dropping the chain alot?

[arctic hawk]

I'm building a cross bike up, and I'm using 110 BCD cranks. How's the front deraileur work with a big drop, like 50/34? Do you end up dropping the chain alot?

I never had any prblems with the FD at all. As for dropping the chain unless I really throw the bike down, I never had an issue with that either.

[dessert1st]

I never had any prblems with the FD at all. As for dropping the chain unless I really throw the bike down, I never had an issue with that either.

Do you use a double or triple front derailleur? I read somewhere that triples work better, well with 50/34 rings anyway.

[arctic hawk]

Do you use a double or triple front derailleur? I read somewhere that triples work better, well with 50/34 rings anyway.
I am running a double. An oldy too, RSX I think.

[darkmother]

Cool, thanks.

[phillybill]

I have been using a triple with mine.....no problems with the chain drop. But as I ride a 46 vs a 50.....I only drop to the 36 when I need the extra grear for the steep hills.

[gruppo]

Your cyclocross crankset "is" a compact crankset and your LBS should be able to provide whatever size chainrings you'd care to use, including 50x38. In short, you don't need a different crankset, simply replace the chainrings on the one you have.