I currently have a standard crank on my Giant with 12-25 gears. I am looking for another bike and was told to go with compact crank. Looking to get record 11 with compact and 11-25 . I was told this is the way to go . I ride in NY and NJ. Just a little confused. thanks

Do you ever feel like you need lower gears on the standard? Are you a very high cadence rider (like 110+)? If the answer to either of those is 'yes', then maybe a compact would be a good idea. If the answer to those is 'no', then you may prefer the standard.

If you plan on racing (CP or PP), get a standard. If not, go for the compact. I'm a big fan of compact gearing for general riding.

If you are not doing any climbing, then you will not need a compact. However, if you are climbing and also doing flats, the compact is a good option. A compact with an 11 cog on the cassette is higher gear than a 12 cog on a standard. The compact gives you a wider range than a standard.

I'm a compact fan, too. Didn't used to be, but a couple of years ago, on group rides, i started noticing what gears people actually USE. Judging by the number of people I see who never get off the small chainring, the standard 53-39 crankset with 11-25 or thereabouts is far higher than most cyclists need. I'd bet not more than 25 percent or so of cyclists ever use the big ring with the three or four smallest cogs.

50-11 is more than enough gear for most group rides out there--anything more, and really, you would probably be better off paying money for a closed course. My $.02.

Some people don't like the 34T on a compact and for that, there are 36T 110bcd rings. I'm not sure what 36T rings are "officially" compatible with Campagnolo 11, but given the fact that a guy I know rides Campagnolo 11 with a DA7800 crank, I would imagine any 36T chainring--FSA Super, for example--would work.

Like 90% of the questions asked on BF, the correct answer is "it depends."

Look at the gearing you want, the type of riding you do, and choose what is best for YOU.

You will probably do ok with either.

Capishe???

BTW I use standard gearing with 39/53 front and 12-23 cassette and it works well for me. But that's me, pick what is best for your riding.

so you never got any of those other bikes you've been looking at? No Serotta? That's a shame.

I'd get a 12-27 cassette with that setup if you're doing climby-climby rides.

Compact with 11-25 is a nice spread for moderate hills, yet still very usable on the flats. If you have some really steep and/or long hills you might want an 11-28 or whatever Campy do. Even if you're strong enough not to really need the 28 it gives you the option to spin a bit if you get tired.

At the other end of the scale the 11 tooth will mean you can have fun for a little longer on descents compared with the 12 tooth.

If you're not doing any climbing, replacing the 34T front ring with a 36T like has been mentioned gives you two good ranges while minimising front shifting.

IMO, you might want to keep this in mind: if you can't spin out 50-11 on anything but steep descents, go with a compact.

I've spun out 53x11 while going down a modest arch bridge.


then again, it was with a 20x1.75 wheel.

compact with an 11-25 is the way to go!! especially where i live in the mountains. i also do alot of high speed simi flat ridding as well so the 11t comes in handy. as said before 50-11 is higher than 52-12 so i doubt you will feel like you are spinning out and you will be glad you have the compact when climbing.

+1, switched from standard to compact with 11-25 cassette. I ride in PP, CP & 9W mostly.

I don't like the drastic chain drop from 50 to 34. My 52/39 transitions very smooth. With a 12-28 cassette, I have been very satisfied with the spread. Overall it provides smooth chain movement for refining my cadence.
Besides standard just looks bad ass on a road bike.