Compact Chainring??

aznulrizal
aznulrizal Posts: 24
edited September 2007 in Road beginners
Folks,

i'm very new in road cycing and thinking on getting an entry level bike... and currently have the SCR 2.0 and 3.0 in sight as they offer the triple chainring mechanism. I think this would benefit me greatly as i live in Sheffield with a lot of hilly side anywhere. Currently most of the LBS are offering huge discounts for the 2007 models.

I went to JE James earlier today and was told about the new 2008 ranges that offer the so-called 'compact chainring': no more tripple like the previous model... and also learned that the tripple chainring would be history soon as most manufacturers would opt for the COMPACT next year. Does anyone know more about this?? What would this new compact chainring could offer and would it worth spending a bit more for the 2008 model.

Comments

  • Garybee
    Garybee Posts: 815
    The difference is mainly based on looks. If you live in a hilly area as you do and are not a very strong rider a standard double is out straight away.

    A tripple is a good idea as it gives you a wide range of gearing so you should be able to get up any hill and still keep turning your legs over at a reasonable speed (cadence).

    A compact is the final option, looks like a standard double (almost), just slightly smaller. A little lighter than a tripple (not really of any importance) but will also give you a good wide range of gears (though not quite as wide as a tripple).

    I personally thing that the vast majority of new road bikes should be sold with either a tripple or a compact chainset as a standard double is overgeared for most cyclists.
    Hypocrisy is only a bad thing in other people.
  • herbie12
    herbie12 Posts: 41
    I think there is a degree of snobbery in chosing compact over triple, but I'm not sure the triple will disappear in the foreseeable future. For some applications, Audax, touring etc it's perfect - you get some really low gears with a reasonably close ratio...

    I've recently moved to a compact (mmm Record!) from a more 'traditional' double set up and whilst it isn't absolutely perfect, it's more suitable for me than the 53/39 it came with. I'm not the greatest climber in the world and it allows me to get up things that I haven't been able to with a standard chainset.

    Another (cheaper) alternative if you're after lower gears is to stick a different cassette on the back, which may give you a few more gear inches.
  • DavidTQ
    DavidTQ Posts: 943
    Ive got the SCR1 with a tripple, love it for climbing hills, plenty of choice, I dont believe the look or weight advantage of a compact has anything to offer me. Dont see triples going away anytime soon but im not expert.
  • Stwutter
    Stwutter Posts: 362
    If the cap fits, and all that...

    They all have their uses. Standards set ups are fine for seasoned riders normally, but even the pro's sometime throw compacts on for getting up mountians in the TDF and the like.

    Triples give you some mega-gearing options. Personally, I use a compact, as my use for a 30T inside ring would be about a regular as the 53T big ring I gave up whan I swapped for a compact - but ask me after next years Etape!
    Knackered? Me?
  • Plucas77
    Plucas77 Posts: 1
    Hi all, new to the forum,

    I have just bought my first road bike. Greg Lemond Reno with a triple chainset(30/42/52). Excellent bike. I tried the scr 2 and allez sport but found the reno to be more comfortable, solid, lighter and I know it sounds funny but I could really feel what was going on under the wheels. Did 47miles over the weekend and like the bike more now than before.

    If you can try one of these do it before deciding on a final bike. For under £600 at the moment for an '07 I think it's a bargain. Happy riding.

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