I'm looking at upgrading an '06 Cannondale R700 with the Shimano Ultegra compact crankset. Does it matter if the stock front derailleur is Shimano 105? Is there a cheaper and equally good compact crankset I should consider, that would work well with the 105 FD? Thanks for any thoughts...




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The 105 FD will work fine.

Where did you find the Ultegra CC at? I couldn't find any info on them so I bought the FSA SL-K Compact Crank. I would have bought the Shimano instead but didn't feel like waiting.

The 105 FD should work just fine, my DA works with the FSA, just lower it to match the CC.

the shimano crankset seemed expensive so the fsa was the next choice. the 105 fd should work fine.

105 derailleur will be fine - just make sure you lower it to the right level for the new crank, and spend some time adjusting it.

You might also like to check out the Ritchey WCS Compact Crank - $125.99 at aebike.com.

Thanks for your reassurances... I will check out the FSA and Ritchey cranks as well. Montlake Bicycles in Seattle had just gotten in the Ultegra compact crank, and it is really nice-looking. The inner ring also has differently-shaped teeth than the big ring does - apparently this makes it easier on the FD. Perhaps this is a common feature? Don't know until I see the others. But it doesn't sound like compatibility is a terrible problem, aside from careful adjustment. Thanks again.

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/123238-compact-crank-overload.html

105 works...