Swap a Chainring?
 

Can you replace the stock 50t chainring on a Shimano compact or triple chainset with a Shimano 53t ring and effectively convert your crank to a standard double?

No need to get into the triple spacer issue. I know all about that.

Your inner ring will still be a 34 instead of a 39

Only issue I can think of is if the front derailer will have room for the larger drop from a 53-34. may need a triple front derailer. (unless that's what you meant by "triple spacer issue").

The larger distance between the teeth and chainring bolts/arms will mean a bit more flex of the chain ring which may cause some rubbing issues under a big effort.

I see the spec on my 6603 crank is a 52t big ring and a 39t middle, so I guess there's no point in going to a 53. For some reason, I thought the big ring was only 50. That must be the compacts.

there is no 110BCD 53T shimano chainring that works with 9/10sp chains.

^^ I think FSA makes one.
I have been wrong before (at least that's what I'm told).



edit:
well, I was close, they have a 52 in 110

http://www.fullspeedahead.com/fly.as...duct&taxid=100

either way, Looks like you won't need it anyway Daytrip.