Hi,

which triple crankset would you recommend? I'd prefer a 50-39-30 configuration. I'm looking for something light and durable... I'll use it with 105 derailleurs (3x10)

my budget is about 150-200 usd.

I really, really like the 5603 Shimano 105 crankset. It has the 50, 39 & 30 chainrings you seek and is almost as light as the Ultegra and Dura ace cranks. I also like that the small chainring is a 74 BCD and easy to replace with a smaller 26t chainring.

The new 2011/2012 5703 has a larger BCD for the small chainring and 30t is the only chainring size I can find for it.

Can you use that with a Deore derailleur/shifter? I'm looking to upgrade the components on my bike next year to around 105 level, but I don't want to change the Deore components that I've got in the drivetrain now unless I absolutely have to.

Try it, it should work. What shifters?

Deore M590.

I run the double version of that on my Kona commuter. Works great but has a 53.
I had the Ultegra triple (30/39/52) on my Trek and jump from the middle to large ring drove me nuts. It went from 39 to 52 and my legs hated it. I ended up putting a 42 on the middle ring which smoothed the shifting significantly.

I can't really tell the difference between 105 and Ultegra cranks so I would say look for whatever you can get the best deal on. The Ultegra triples that Ive seen come with the 52 tooth large ring while the 105 most likely comes with the 50. All the Shimano stuff will work together. Id offer to sell you my Ultegra triple but it doesn't sound like what your looking for.

You should be able to find a new 105 triple on Ebay for $100 or less, make sure you get HollowTech II. Model #5600 or newer IIRC. You can tell because the spindle is attached to the pedal arm/gear body. The old style doesn't have a spindle at all.

Thanks for the replies.

I'm considering the 105 (probably 5703). I just wanted to be sure if there is nothing significantly better (and lighter) for the same price. I'm not familiar with products from other manufacturers, like FSA, Miche or whatever else.

Is it at all worth mixing components from multiple manufacturers? Or would you rather recommend having everything from the same groupset (105 in my case)?

There is very little functional difference between Ultegra and 105 cranks. The spider and spindle are almost the same (or are the same, I can't see any difference). The chainrings on the 105 are steel while the Ultegra are alloy. Both are very stiff, shift perfectly and weigh about the same. I would guess that the 105 chainrings are more durable.

I recently picked up a new Ultegra SL triple chainset (w/ bottom bracket) from Merlin cycles for $117 shipped. There are good deals this time of year if you look around.

Edit: they still have some in stock for that price. Enter code VIP10 to save an extra 10%.

You can mix cranksets between Shimano/Sram/FSA and a few others. Campy cranks are high priced, so I never consider them.

I mix Shimano 10-speed Ultegra and 105 gear without a concern. I won't mix 9 and 10 speed Shimano componients, except when I use a
10-speed rear derailleur with a 9 speed chain and shifter, that's not a problem.

With Sram and Shimano, you can mix cassettes and chains without much of a problem. I don't. Staying within a brand provides the best performance.

this deal looks really nice, but I'm not sure if 52t is not too much for me (mu current bike has 48t only)

I don't like to mix Sram and Shimano 10 speed components. Chains and cassettes specifically. While they can work together they don't always work the best and can wear out faster. 9 speed stuff didn't seem to have this issue quite as significantly as 10 speed did.

Im also not a huge fan of the FSA bottom brackets and so I stay away from the FSA cranks. My Kona came with one and I could tell the difference between it and the Shimano 105 that I replaced it with. The FSA wore out faster and was just not as smooth or nice to ride.

I think you will like the 105 5703. Its a good crank and will last you a long time. They are very easy to install if you have the tool ($20 @ REI), just make sure you put plenty of lube on the BB threads.