Anyone ride a Campy Record Compact Crank?
 

Before I lay out big bucks for one of these, has anyone tried one? Looks like you need to replace the front derailluer also. I'll be able to use my normal cassette.

you really can't go wrong with campy

xx

I've got one. It works very well, as expected. What's the rest of your set up?

Campy Compact Crank
 

The bike I'm considering this crank for is a Litespeed Ghisala, full Campy Record Carbon 10 speed, Ksyrium, Speedplay, etc. Nice ride. I have the medium length derailleur so I can't go to the lowest range cassette for hills. I'm having a hard time making the switch to a compact.

Do I reduce the chain length?

xx

Crank
 

No additional question regarding the rear cassette. I meant w/ my standard crank and medium der. I couldn't go to a 29 so I may go to the compact. With the compact 50-34, I'd stick w/ the 24.

You mentioned changing to a different change width? Also, any changes to the BB required?

Here's a pic of me and this bike.http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...reweed400a.jpg


Thanks!

I am not sure I follow. With your standard (double) crank, you can easily go to a 29 with the medium cage derailleur. You can switch to a compact crank and still reach the 29. I have a short with a 50x34 13x26 with no problem. I think the only time you need the long cage is when you are using a triple with the 29.

I did not switch my BB when I went from standard to compact.

I am not sure about the chain length. I would put the new crank on and see if you can remove 2 links or not.

No, your standard front derailleur will work just fine...:)

tell me more.

xx

Since you have Campy now, a Campy compact crankset would be the cheapest quality way to go. You can use your incumbent bottom bracket and score some of the great prices now available on 2006 Campy cranksets.

However, if you go for the 2007 Ultra-Torque set up, it will indeed be expensive.

If it was me I'd go for the 50/36 instead of the 50/34, as 16 tooth jump seems awfully big to me.

Al

Given the rest of the bike, I think going to the Record compact makes a lot of sense. I have mine set up with the 13-29 cassette and it works very well. It's an excellent climbing set up, I ride hills all the time. I have the 50-34 crank and there is no problem with the 16 tooth jump. I'm sure there is a little loss off the top end but I'm not racing so I really don't notice it. I think it is a very good solution especially if you are trying to avoid a triple. I have nothing against a triple, but it just seems like too many gears, and too much overlap. The compact keeps things fairly simple, yet gives me all the range I need.

When I ordered my bike I ordered 50-34, I noticed my son who also had 50-34 spinning faster than me on a steep hill one day, I checked my rig and it was in fact 50-36, my LBS swapped it over - both systems work perfectly. I need the 34 to keep up with the boy on the hills - damm it!

Yes, I ride one -- I am quite happy. See this thread:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=203883

Nice Crank!
 

Thanks for the link. Your bike is gorgeous.