hmai18

Sorry if this is old news, but while posting in another thread, I came across this info and figured I'd share it for those who were looking for it.

As you may have heard, Shimano will be releasing a compact crank soon, labelled FC-R700. There will only be one model; no Ultegra or DA desgination/separation (however, it uses those sexy DA buzz-saw rings). It incorporates the integrated crankarm/spindle and outboard bearing BB. They say it is designed to work with their existing front derailleurs, so there's no need to get a compact specific FD. Link to some info is HERE

shimanopower

it's about time.

(too bad my poser level is too high as is to justify getting one at the moment... maybe if i shed something else I keep things at an acceptable level )

cmcenroe

Sorry: what is a compact crank?

BlastRadius

I saw a set at Shimano booth at the SF Grand Prix. The look really nice in person too, a mix of Ultegra and Dura Ace asthetics. The guy didn't know what the price was going to be though.

hypersnazz

I saw a set of these at the Shimano tent when I was at the SF Grand Prix last weekend, I could almost SWEAR they said Ultegra on 'em. I'm kicking myself now for not asking the dude more questions, guess I'll have to wait for reports from Interbike.

Can't wait to get a set. If it shifts anything like the current crop of Ultegra / DA 10-speed stuff it should blow most of the competition in the compact market away, short of Record (and I'm not that fond of Campy's f/d setup, but that's more personal preference).

dfw

I might be tempted to get one if the price is comparable to other compact cranks. However my guess is the price will be north of 300 clams.

I have a triple, so I'll have to replace the F/D anyway.

53-11_alltheway

Those are really nice looking cranks. Probably the best looking compact out there to be honest.

cydewaze

Instead of having a 53/39 ring combo, a compact uses something like a 50/34. Gives you more climbing gears without going to a triple.

hmai18

I'm all torn between getting this and something with a silver ring/black arm combo now...

SaddleBags

Can you not continue to use your triple FD? If you swap to a double FD, wouldn't you need to swap your shifters too? I had the impression that you can use the triple for compacts too since it has a wider spacing than the double.
Calling all muppets, carpet smokers.....

Ineedhelp

Thank you. I've been wondering because I need all the hill climbing power I can get. I'm wondering if you could also explain if there are any advantages/disadvantages between a triple and a compact crank. Is there a reason why it might be preferable to go to a compact instead of just getting a triple?

sydney

You can use a triple FD with a compact crank,and swapping FDs does not mean you have to do anything with the shifters as long as you are keeping it all shimano road.There is nothing different about compact 'spacing' relative to a standard double. Talk about muppets and carpet smokers....

sydney

Simply put, since you can use a smaller tooth granny on a triple,you can get lower grearing than with a compact.It all depends on how weak you are.

Corsaire

Wonder, how would this Compact Shimano compare to the FSA one ?

perhaps the weight would be heavier than the FSA's.

Corsaire

sydney

Cool,but try telling that to someone that needs a 30 granny and 34 big cog...