Comatose51

https://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycl...=1141694711413

What do you guys think of this versus other compacts on the market?

Grasschopper

Ultegra quality...lighter than FSA SLK MegaEXO crank. Can't comment on the functionality as I am a Campy guy but I have held it and it is a nice unit.

briscoelab

Chopper, it isn't lighter than a SLK Mega Exo. It's 809 claimed grams, not including the bottom bracket. The SLK is about 780-800 actual weight with the BB (according to WW) and I think 840grams claimed. It's still a sweet looking crank

Portlandonian

Why does everyone assume it is Ultegra quality? 105 uses the hollowtech crank now too.

briscoelab

Ugh.......
"Ultegra® 6600 level quality, Hollowtech® II design and nickel-plated chainrings for weight maximum weight savings. An integrated bottom bracket spindle is permanently attached to the right crankarm. This crankset also has additional sub pins to regulate the shifting process. BB-6600 or BB-7800 bottom bracket cups are required. 130mm bolt pattern. Chainrings 34-50 teeth. 809 grams."

Comatose51

I know the qaulity is probably good but I don't want to buy it just because it's a Shimano. Anyone else ridden a competing compact and have opinions? Anyone ridden this one?

Thanks.

'nother

It's not necessarily an assumption. I recall that when they announced it late last year, the press release said it would not have an Ultegra designation but that it would be roughly at that level (not that it really matters that much).

The guys at a trusted LBS told me it is superior to others like FSA because they've optimized the ramping/pinning and so forth. Sounds like a load of crap to me.

Give me a couple of weeks . . . having a bike built right now with this setup and will give a report once I actually get the darn thing!

thewalrus

It was introduced about 4 months before the 105 5600 group, shimano sales reps at the time said it was an "ultegra equivalent" level crankset.

Shimano's product page for it says it uses the same bottom bracket as Ultegra, the SM-FC6600.

briscoelab

I've ran a FSA Gossamer compact for about 1k miles... no issues at all. That was used with a Shimano double FD and later a Campy Chorus. No problems with either. I am now running a FSA SLK Mega Exo, with the Campy Chorus CT FD.... again no issues. My girlfriend just got a Gossamer Compact with an Ultegra double FD.... no issues. BTW... anyone want a slightly used 175mm Gossamer compact?

Comatose51

Anyone know if it would work with a 105 FD?

thewalrus

Shimano says it's supposed to work with an ordinary front derailleur, they don't sell a compact-specific one (unlike campagnolo). So I would say yes.

CycleFreakLS

Not to say that the Shimano product isn't going to be great, but that's just junk ... I have no problems shifting with my FSA SLKs. The front der. was lowered a smidge and everything re-adjusted. FWIW, my SLKs say S-10 on it but they work fine with my 9-speed drivetrain.

'nother

Yes, sounds familiar:

dtufts

I've had it for about a month now. Shifting is flawless. Absolutely perfect . . . and I'm picky about that. Every bit the same as the DA FC-7800 that it replaced. I'm using it with an FD-7800 and DA bottom bracket that came with my other cranks. I like it because it is silver and matches better, but I wish it had the same finish as the Dura Ace. Finish looks like Ultegra.

WheresWaldo

A picture is always nice

Grasschopper

Well that is nice and all...but I held one in my hands...then held the FSA SLK...hell I run the SLK on my Roubaix I wish it was lighter...but it isn't. Well ok I will admit when I did this it was only the right side of both cranks, including the rings so no left side arm and no BB. That part was lighter for sure...if the other arm is heavier then I would say they are about even.

jazzy_cyclist

I tried to order one of the Shimano CC's through my LBS and they weren't able to get one - at least not in the next few weeks, so I'm getting the FSA carbon instead. I sort of preferred the cosmetics of the Shimano, but I doubt that I'm going to notice much of a difference -- I feel that I'm in pretty good company with the FSA stuff...

Grasschopper

My LBS has one sitting in their display case...I am headed down there in an hour, want me to see what it would cost?

Urethane

I've been contemplating the Shimano compact as well...replacing the existing Ultegra 39/53. However due to the price ($250-300) and the fact that I would like to get something I can take with me to my next upgraded rig I was leading torward the FSA SLK or K-Force. On the verge of buying FSA my LBS informed me of a current high level of returns they've been getting with the FSA Carbon cranks due to separation of the carbon from the aluminum inserts, etc. and recommended IRD Mosaic C over the FSA. They're a nice pair at 545g and rock solid, however it's getting pricy at $450.

Decisions, decisions...

SpongeDad

Sure - and ask if you can get a 36 ring instead of the 34. I like a little more overlap between the rings than it looks like a 50/34 would offer.

briscoelab

Agreed, I'd say most people couldn't tell the difference between the ~75-100 grams that they are likely different from eachother.

Anyone know how much the Shimano BB weighs? The FSA is about 130 grams.

dahvaio

The R700 can use the Dura-Ace, Ultegra or 105 10-speed BB... I believe the Dura-Ace is about 100grams...

Grasschopper

Well I am sure they only have it in 50/34 so getting the other ring might not happen but I will ask about the cost. I was already back from the shop today dropping off my commuter for a new HS, before I saw your message so I will inquire tomorrow about the cost.

Comatose51

Let me know if you can put a 36-t in there. I would prefer that over the 34.

Comatose51

How does the Shimano R-700 compare with the FSA Gossamer compact?