Ok so i am going to get into racing (doing a build in the coming weeks, wanted a new bike).

So I am trying to figure out what kind of Crankset to get, have been planning on getting a double or compact (my understanding is there is a difference). I like to have a big gear for descents and the such but will need something to work well in the hills here in Southern NH and around NE (since most of my races will be here).

So I guess I am looking for input on what the best gearing ratio would be.

Any input is appreciated!

What do you have now?

I currently have a 30/42/52 triple and mostly use the 42/52 (just moved here, haven't been out) on Cape Cod (like no hills). The cassette is an 8 speed 11 - 26. I find I am mostly in the middle of that, sometimes in the 26.

Now granted I am still working on getting 'into shape' and the such and getting the legs strong. Need something that is going to get me through getting the legs good and racing (don't want to have to spend on 2 cassettes)

I think this is a personal preference, but...

A 50/11 is a bigger gear than a 53/12.

On the other hand the compact will require more shifting when shifting rings up front, which might cost you a little time... also it would seem that a compact may be a little more prone to dropping the chain than the normal double espishilly with a 50/34.

My personl first choice would be a 53/39 double, than a 50/36 compact.

btw I don't race

Yes I do know that it is a personal preference was just looking for some input, which is very appreciated! I am going to see if I can try some different options out at the LBS but was curious as to what other would suggest!

Compact crankset with 11-26 cassette. 50/34 or 50/36, the latter seems to be preferred around here though I'm okay with my 50/34, though I think a 50/36 would have been better for my riding.

Nashbar/performance have good deals on the campy square taper compact cranksets. I used one of those on my build. Love it.

Compact will give you more range, which will be especially useful if you don't really know what you need. It is relatively easy to change later if you need.

Thanks for the replies all! Guess I have a decision to make!

tough call it's either a Compact 50/36 or a Standard 53/39. With a standard you can still run a 12-27 or a 12-25 cassette and kill most stuff. Really depends how strong you are and how steep the hills are. I would take a look at similar riders around you what do they run? compacts? personally I ride a stack of hills 800- 1100ft gain and I run a 53/19 hooked up to a 12-25 but also i'm a big girrly blouse and would never top out a 53-11. just an opinion.

Well I consider myself to be a powerful rider (who knows really...PT is coming with new bike too so shall be interesting to see). Personally I like to push a large gear rather then an insanely high cadence (I know, I know!) but thats me.

From what I can tell most of my races will be on flatish courses, but don't hold me to that!

53/39

ooook

I like a 53-39 for anything up to a moderate climb, a compact 50-34 for sustained climbs where you run into inclines >8%. Then again, I climb like a round boulder, so YMMV.

If you are really uncertain you might want to get a SRAM gruppo, as they use the same FD & RD for either crank, unlike shimano, which uses a different FD and a long cage RD for compact. That means if you decide to change your cranks you don't have to change half your gear train at the same time.

incorrect