FSA ^^^ getting a lil crazy...




Do you all think we should get a sticky for the topic? If so would you add anything to the following?


This is about all you will need to understand the idea and use of a compact crank.


Compact Crank http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gloss_cn-z.html
A double-chainring crankset with that permits the use of smaller chainrings than will fit with the common 130 mm B.C.D.. Most "compact double" cranks use the old standard 110 mm B.C.D. which permits the use of chainrings as small as 33 teeth (more commonly, 34 or 36 teeth.)
Compact crank sets usually come with a 50 tooth chainring, and will normally go with an 11 or 12 tooth top sprocket in back.
110 mm B.C.D. double cranks with full-sized (52-42, 52-40, etc.) were common in the late'70s and early '80s, but they had become nearly extinct for double chainrings. The rebirth of this format, with smaller rings, was pioneered by Tyler Hamilton who used one of these in the 2003 Tour de France http://www.tylerhamilton.com/home1.html


The basic idea behind the use of the compact as it relates to top speed and low speed:
http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadin...r/gearing.html



How to counter some one who thinks you’re weak for getting a compact:
1. Oh ya…..My 50/11 is bigger than your 52/12.
2. Oh ya…..Your “standard crankset” with a 52/39 is really a normalized compact crank because old standard was a 52/42 for a double.
3. Oh ya….How are your knees?
4. Oh ya….sticks and stones may….




5. Oh ya...I can make my compact go from a 34/50 all the way up to 42/52 if I wanted too....http://www.bikeusa.com/components/chainrings.html by just getting the right ring set.

seems like 50/34 is not as cool as the 50/36 for some :http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=291496&page=2

You can get Ringset for the 110 crank at:
.... http://www.bikeusa.com/components/chainrings.html
.... http://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30...ory=203&type=T
.... http://www.speedgoat.com/catalog.asp?cat=50





A few BF threads on the topic:

Lowest gear: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=compact+crank
Review: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=compact+crank
Who uses them: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=compact+crank: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...79#post2092279
Best Value: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=compact+crank
V.S Triple: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=compact+crank http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...20#post2178520
Pride: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=compact+crank; or some just don't get it http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=160270

some smack talking... http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=172843&page=3

Can my standard crank go compact? http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=124072

50/34 vs 50/36 and other issues http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=288462

What you’ll pick up after reading some of the BF threads:
1. There is and always will be a double vs. triple argument.
2. Flatlanders just don’t get it.
3. sydney will let you know what is compatible with a compact crank. edit...RIP...miss the man!
4. Even Terry Morse the Climbing Fool has one.
5. Some want the compact b/c:
a. It is lighter
b. It “shifts better” than a triple
c. There is less to think about in terms of which gear one should to be in.
d. It was the cheap way to get triple like gears without an expensive upgrade for a bike that is a double.
e. They ride a lot of hills/mountains
f. Other reasons or a mix of the above.