It's not a bad idea, and my carbon Cannondale Synapse came with a compact crank on it. Essentially, you're dropping one high gear and gaining one low gear, and theoretically you're saving a little weight too. Theoretically.....we're talking micrograms here. :o) I don't mind losing that high gear because I'm not into racing...I can get going plenty fast and don't mind coasting when I start to spin out if the hill is long or super steep. I do appreciate that other low gear, though since I really prefer a double crank instead of a triple. Since compact cranks are usually paired with smaller cassettes for weight and aesthetics, you have the added benefit/option of getting a larger cassette and having that much more of a lower gearing setup if you want it.
I like mine and I haven't noticed any huge difference except when riding in tight groups....the gearing is juuuuust different enough that it can be hard to match the same pace/cadence as everyone else since most people ride the normal 39/53 cranks. Not a big deal, but it's the only thing I've noticed. I could go back to my standard cranks and not really care one way or the other....I think it's that small of a thing in the overall picture.
One slight disadvantage is that you're a little less likely to find great deals on compact chainrings when you need to buy new ones, since the market is predominantly full of standard rings.
A compact allows tighter gearing. You can run a 11-23 cassette in a 53/39 is almost the same as a 12-27 cassette. You can also run a 12-25 or 12-27 on a compact to get a lower gear if you need it.
If you live in a relatively flat state like Nebraska or Ohio, you're probably good with a standard crank. I switched to a compact two years ago, and I couldn't be happier! The simplicity of a double ring setup and the low gearing almost like having a triple- best of both worlds.
But I live in the foothills of Colorado, and my doorstep is at 6000' above sea level (and it only goes up from there). There is no such thing as a flat ride here, so I climb a LOT, and the compact is very nice.
I gave up maybe 5mph of top speed in high gear for the gear equivalent of two extra cogs in back. So it's up to you to determine your riding needs.
did you know that lance armstrong and other pro biker made the compacts popular in the early 2000? it is the best new invention to bike. that how you see those guys spinning up the hills at over 100 rpm. with a standard gearing you could not do that
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It's not a bad idea, and my carbon Cannondale Synapse came with a compact crank on it. Essentially, you're dropping one high gear and gaining one low gear, and theoretically you're saving a little weight too. Theoretically.....we're talking micrograms here. :o) I don't mind losing that high gear because I'm not into racing...I can get going plenty fast and don't mind coasting when I start to spin out if the hill is long or super steep. I do appreciate that other low gear, though since I really prefer a double crank instead of a triple. Since compact cranks are usually paired with smaller cassettes for weight and aesthetics, you have the added benefit/option of getting a larger cassette and having that much more of a lower gearing setup if you want it.
I like mine and I haven't noticed any huge difference except when riding in tight groups....the gearing is juuuuust different enough that it can be hard to match the same pace/cadence as everyone else since most people ride the normal 39/53 cranks. Not a big deal, but it's the only thing I've noticed. I could go back to my standard cranks and not really care one way or the other....I think it's that small of a thing in the overall picture.
One slight disadvantage is that you're a little less likely to find great deals on compact chainrings when you need to buy new ones, since the market is predominantly full of standard rings.
Compact Vs Standard Cranks
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RE:
Compact Vs Regular (53/39) Cranks?
I'm currently building a new ride for 2008. At this point the only thing pending is the crankset and I havent heard much about compact cranksets.
What is the real advantage of the compact crankset over the conventional (53/39) ones?
A compact allows tighter gearing. You can run a 11-23 cassette in a 53/39 is almost the same as a 12-27 cassette. You can also run a 12-25 or 12-27 on a compact to get a lower gear if you need it.
If you live in a relatively flat state like Nebraska or Ohio, you're probably good with a standard crank. I switched to a compact two years ago, and I couldn't be happier! The simplicity of a double ring setup and the low gearing almost like having a triple- best of both worlds.
But I live in the foothills of Colorado, and my doorstep is at 6000' above sea level (and it only goes up from there). There is no such thing as a flat ride here, so I climb a LOT, and the compact is very nice.
I gave up maybe 5mph of top speed in high gear for the gear equivalent of two extra cogs in back. So it's up to you to determine your riding needs.
These guys pretty much covered it. If you see any field sprints in your future or ride in mostly flat areas go with the standard
Lots of climbing? the compact is the way to go
But if I lost one sprint because I spun out the compact, I would take it off and beat it with a hammer :)
did you know that lance armstrong and other pro biker made the compacts popular in the early 2000? it is the best new invention to bike. that how you see those guys spinning up the hills at over 100 rpm. with a standard gearing you could not do that
so do not think about it and go with a compact
carlos
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