Originally Posted by
asmac
Could someone tell me what defines a "compact" crankset?
My frame specs (Salsa Vaya) say it "Fits any road compact double or triple" and I am running a touring triple 48-36-28 (with a 12-36 9sp cassette). I'm big and carry heavy touring loads so getting up hills and not destroying my knees is the goal, not speed.
My current bb is a square taper shimano but I would like to use an external bearing external crankset if possible. People who claim to know tell me that any crankset -- mtb or road -- *should* work as the chainline difference is minute. I hesitate to put down $200-300 without knowing for sure and can only assume the posted specs are there for a reason. Any insight or edumukation would be gratefully received.
The Salsa Vaya will run almost any crank set with an external bearing BB. My Vaya came with a 50/34 compact. I use my Vaya off road and on some very steep dirt climbs and single track so I wanted lower Mt. bike gearing and now have a Mt. double. I did have to change my front derailer to a Sram Mt. It shifted with the road Sram FD, but did so very poorly.
click on the thumbnails
Stock, compact crank
Mt. crank
