roadfix

We know you're out there with your recent conversions with all this crazy compact talk that's been happening here. We also know that you've made the right decision. So come out and show us your new cranks...


Here's my new Campy Centaur Compact crankset:
I went from an old Campy Record double to a new Centaur Compact. I also got 170mm's, down from 172.5's. The detail, craftsmanship, and elegance is nowhere near the quality of my old Record, but at only $120, this was an inexpensive and practical conversion. I couldn't justify spending more on a fancy crankset on an old drivetrain.
No other changes were made...still running an 8 speed 13-26 cassette. The old Campy front derailleur performs flawlessly.

ultraman6970

whats the difference now? from a 52/53 u went to a 50... the only difference is that now ull use the 14 instead of the 15 or 16... same stuff... what i do not denied is that the crancks looks super hot I bet the bike looks awesome

I dont see anything wrong with the freewheel.. u dont need anything else for sure... and yes campy rocks!

BlastRadius

Tsk, Tsk. What's with all the extra derailer inner cable?
Cranks look great though.

jschen

The difference would be that 34/26 is about two gears lower than 39/26. Which makes a world of difference on steep climbs.

feltdude

<insert FSA compact picture here>

Donate to my digital camera fund.

huytheskigod

My new FSA Gossamer on my bike's rebuild.
more pics here: https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/173790-ironhorse-triumph-comp-rebuid-w-pics-dial-up-users-beware.html

Gomez308

I know it's dirty, but here it is.

2Rodies

Thanks for the well thought out and articulate question.

Now my compact set up is a 50/36 11/23. With that I get more on both ends of the cassette over a 53/39 12/25. I also get to drop some weight and I get closer spacing between the gears.

bigskymacadam

gossamer alum

mellowdave

I couldnt even decipher the "Ultraman's" statment 2roadies, youre a more patient man than me. But it IS good to know that Campy rocks.

fmw

My Litespeed has a Campy CT crankset as well.

Grasschopper

Hmm...[gears turning]...I may need to go this route on the Roubaix.

fmw

It's a great crankset. It is as stiff as a rock and, thanks to the Record bottom bracket, it spins like a top. You wouldn't think you would notice much of a difference in a crankset but you definitely can. My FSA on the CF bike feels like a toy compared to this one. Mine has the 36 tooth small ring. I use the small ring quite a lot and the 34 seems a little bit low. The 50/36 rings, coupled with a 12/26 cassette, handle everything for me. It is a perfect gearing for this old cyclist. I think it would look just fine on your Roubaix.

wsexson

My personal preference is for polished alloy cranks, but I have to admit that one is a beauty.

mellowdave

I'm going the exact same route on the R2.5. I thought about the FSA crank, as I already have one on the Galileo (not a compact), but the bottom brackets totally disappoint me. NOTHING is as nice as a Record BB. So that ultimately sealed the deal.

fmw

There is some weight saving involved too. People often refer to the Campy carbon cranks as heavy but they are only heavy if you compare them to the Stronglight or other super light cranks. These are lighter than the alloy cranks and stiffer.

fmw

I know you won't be disappointed. Let us know what you think when you've had a chance to ride them.

1955

Here's my new FSA SL-K Mega EXO compact crank. I've got about 150 miles on this crank and am very happy with it. It is a bit heavier than my DA10 crank and not a pretty, but I can climb with it! Well, sort of.