benefits of a compact crank?
 

I haven't been into road riding very long, but I know a lot of people that have compact cranks. I am just curious what the benefits of a compact crank are.

Also, I have about 350 dollars to spend on upgrades for my bike. I have a 2007 Specialized Allez sport and want to put some better parts on it. Where should I start? It currently has Shimano 105's on it.

Basic.

Get near, or if you want, the same gear range as a standard triple.

if you do a search, i'm sure you'll find praises and negatives. basically, you get lower gearing. I have a compact on my climbing bike and full size crank on my training bike. I live in an area where a flat ride involves 3,000 feet of climbing.

Wheels and tires are really good upgrades.

Does your bike have a triple now? Or a standard crankset?

where I live, a flat ride involves around 30 ft of climbing...unless i search hard

my bike came with a compact, and while I dont need here, I ride a few times a year in Michigan where I am glad I have it

I currently have a triple but am planning on replacing it with a compact probably by next year. A compact will get me fairly close to the gear range of my triple with the advantage of reducing the amount of time I need to shiff the front dr.

If you live in a place where you need to climb, get the compact. If you live in Florida, or some place flat consider a standard.

105 isn't bad. Mainly when you upgrade you are paying for weight savings. Upgrading to Ultregra or SRAM would probably cost you more than $350.00. I would wait until the group isn't doing what you need and then either upgrade the group or the bike.