eofelis 

I could use some help and recommendations here. I would like to install a compact crankset on my Gunnar Roadie with 9 speed Dura Ace. I have no interest in changing over to 10 speed, so I'm looking for some suggestions regarding a good quality compact (50-34) crankset that's 9 speed compatible. I don't know if the Shimano R-700 works 9-speed as well as my DA 7700 cranks, but I'm more inclined to go with something other than Shimano on this.

So do you have any brand and model you can suggest? Does anyone know for sure if the R-700 Shimano compact cranks will work with 9 speed?

Thanks in advance!

socalrider

The simple upgrade would be to use a Ritchey which is octalink compatible.. Most others would require a new BB..

bluehair

This suggestion may be out of line with your goal, but you can make a compact crankset quickly and cheaply with new, lower gear, Salsa chain rings, or for more money, Shimano chain rings. Good luck. Pat

jamiewilson3

I run 9 speed DA and just upgraded to the R700. I originally went compact with the FSA Carbon Pro Elite ISIS, which was a piece of junk. The thing creaked all the time, even with constant tighening of BB and crank bolts. I picked up the r700 and DA BB cups on Pro Bike Kit in November for $200 total to my door. The BB is much better and the shifting is much smoother, almost as good as the DA 53/39 on the upshift. The downshift is not as smooth, but there is no way to change gravity.

RacerMike

The smallest chain ring you can put on a standard double is 38mm so I doubt it will suit the OP's needs.

barba

What size cassette are you using? Sometimes that is easier.

eofelis 

I have both 12/25 and 12/27 cassettes, so I'm maxed out there. For all of my riding to date, this set up has worked fine, even on the steepest and longest climbs around here (western Colorado). However, I've been battling a knee problem for the last six months so I'd like to be spinning more on the climbs.

I've been looking at the FSA cranks, but before buying I'd like some input regarding their quality and how well they shift. One post on another thread mentioned that some FSA models are noisy, which would be completely unacceptable. I may be going with the Shimano, but pulling off a DA crank and putting on a R-700 feels like a downgrade (except for the BB). I'm considering the FSA SLK compact, but I'd like to hear from someone with experience with it before dropping the big bucks.

Thanks for all of your help and thanks in advance for your suggestions.

mcoine

I have an ultegra 9spd triple setup, want to trade?

TO11MTM

It's a loaded issue. If you use the Magical FSA Compact Derailleur with their cranks it helps things out, but in my experience (albiet short,) Shimano chainrings will always shift better longer. The other big thing about the R700 is the chainrings, relatively speaking, seem EXPENSIVE. Like I'd rather just run an Ultegra Triple Expensive.

idcruiserman

I'm happy with the R700 on my 9 speed ultegra bike.

Rkoetting

Just switched to a R700, sweet shifting, easy install, what's not to love? I have not read a single bad review of the R700, versus a lot of bad reviews of the FSA and other compacts. Seems like the best choice is either a R700 or a triple.

531Aussie

you can use Dura-Ace 10 speed cranks and rings with a 9 sp chain

cs1

+1 for Campy also.

It seems the factories, Campy & Shimano, are having less problems with their compacts than the strictly aftermarket mfg's. FSA makes a beautiful crank. Problem is the reviews are mixed. It seems like they haven't got the ISIS thing down yet. Anyone try a MegaExo version?

Tim

Proximo

A friend of mine has an '06 Specialized Roubaix Comp with the FSA SLK triple crank. The fixing bolt backed out and left crank arm fell off, destroying the left bearing cup, on a ride a few weeks after he bought the bike new. Check the reviews on roadbikereview.com. This apparently is a common problem with the SLK cranks.

I have the Shimano R700 crankset on my Merlin and can recommend it without reservations. It is superb. It shifts as smooth as silk and the cosmetics look a lot more like the Dura-ace crankset than Ultegra if that's important. Weight wise it's heavier than what you have now but not so much as to be noticed.

Retro Grouch 

I've been using an FSA Energy crank on my Ultegra equipped Klein for a couple of years. I'm very happy with the results. If I had a DA equipped bike I probably would have stepped up to the carbon version.

I bought the octalink variation so the only thing that I had to buy was the crankset.

knobster

I run the FSA compact double with the carbon arms and Octalink BB. Seems to be good, but the shifting is a little difficult going up to the upper chainring.

robbiedob

I just ordered the Shimano R700 and a 12/27 ultegra cassette. I should get them in later this week. I previously had a Truvativ 50/36 that came with my '05 TCR C3. I'll let you all know how it is when I get back out on the road.

jamiewilson3

IMO, you made the right choice. I think that you will be very satisfied with the R700.

robbiedob

I just got my order from Nashbar.com. Not bad Ordered the goodies on Sunday. I open the box, "It's like candy for my bike." Wow is the R700 Light! and damn is it good looking! THe cassette is hot too. All shiny like! Wahoo!!!!!!