Compact Chainset

Ferrino

Can someone please recommend a cheap compact chainset+BB package which will work with an 8-speed Shimano setup (Sora front derailleur, 8-speed chain etc...)? Looking for a 50/34T. This is for my cheapo Decathlon 7.1 road bike, so don't want to spend too much (please don't advise me to get a 9/10-speed setup!). I think I want to fit a new BB as the Decathlon one is reputed to have had issues.

I've seen some up on EBAY but am not certain if they will work OK with an 8-speed chain and I've seen some reduced Campag ones but the listing says they require a Campag front derailleur?

Was looking to spend no more than say 60 quid on the package, with a tenner for my LBS to fit it.....

Thanks!

henderson_mk

have a nose about for the fsa gossamer ones... i have one on my allez equipped sora groupset.
you should be able to pick one up fairly cheaply on ebay. actually just nosing about:

http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsP936.aspx?Track=FGL

they work with the sora front mech too.
you should def be able to get a fsa isis bb cheap too...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FSA-PLATINUM-ISIS-DRIVE-BOTTOM-BRACKET_W0QQitemZ150130255283QQihZ005QQcategoryZ56193QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

marty

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cheese. to be eaten, not listened to.

henderson_mk

or here's another option... although it looks like a square taper to me.

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/index.html?pageTitle=FSA_CFJ_COMPACT_CHAINSET_WITH_FREE_CARBON_SHELL_BRACKET_SALE&pageDesc=FSA_CFJ_COMPACT_CHAINSET_WITH_FREE_CARBON_SHELL_SEALED_BOTTOM_BRACKET_NORMAL_PRICE_COMPLETE_WITH_BRA&action=detail&maincatID=0&catID=&prodID=2840&brandID=

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cheese. to be eaten, not listened to.

monty_dogcp

You don't need to use a Campag front mech with their chainsets - use one that works with your gear levers. The latest Campag models are superior in design to both the Shimano and FSA models and are very easy to install - the Ultradrive Veloce at œ70 is a nicely finished piece of kit. Avoid anything painted black - they scuff up in no time and look cheap.

Ferrino

thanks - what's the issue with the square taper design on the FSA chainset-BB combo for 60 quid? I was thinking of getting this.....

henderson_mk

none really.... i think isis or bb's with external bearings transfer power better possibly. someone more knowledgeable than me would need to confirm/deny though.

the pearson one looks like a good deal though!

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cheese. to be eaten, not listened to.

Ferrino

thanks - how about crank lengths - the stock one on my bike is 170mm and feels OK to me, guess i need to take some measurements if i want to optimise this part for my leg size?

henderson_mk

i don't think you'd appreciably notice the difference between 172.5 and the 170... but always stick to what you know and what feels good!

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cheese. to be eaten, not listened to.

TinTincp

I have one of the Pearson FSA compact chainsets as well as similar from Quest bikes.
FSA is not as well finished as the Quest one but it works ok with my 8 speed LX set up on my city bike (8 speed as its the only way to run thumbies [:)]

I can see no reason why the QUEST would not work, I guess it is just the teeth on the chainring are narrower.

Incidentally someone is knocking out what looks like the Quest chainset on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Alloy-Compact-Rac ... dZViewItem

Strangely enough the seller is in North Harrow near to Quest bikes shop.......................

Cheers

Andy


Allez TinTin!

henderson_mk

think i'd plump for that ebay one that andy spotted... looks good!

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cheese. to be eaten, not listened to.

Ferrino

Thanks guys - I am going to go for the Quest chainset - I asked the seller a question last week and got a reply from a 'questbikes' e-mail address, so I guess it is indeed their chainset! Thankyou!

henderson_mk

get a lighter bb though.... 300grams is a bit heavy on it for the included one! [:)]

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cheese. to be eaten, not listened to.

cooper.michael1

Any speed chainset will work! A 9sp chainset is most probably from a 9speed groupset, but will work fine with an 8sp rear block, ive donr this several times.

Make me laugh when people say ive got the 10speed brakes!

Coops