shimano compact chainsets

whoof

I was thinking of doing some hilly sportifs and considering changing my current Ultegra 10 speed standard double chainset for a compact one. I've a couple of questions if anyone can help that would be great.
a) How easy is it to swop these new chainsets. (I've changed the old ones that use tappered and Octilink 1 chainsets but not the ones with external bearings).
b) Do I NEED a new front mech. I know they sell one but I've heard that it will run find with the existing one.
c) Has anyone tried the Shimano 4550 compact chainset, at £34.95 these seems (?) like a bargain. Or possibley the R600 chainset.
Thanks

Smokin Joe

If you get a chainset with external bearings you need to get the bottom bracket shell faced or the bearings will wear rapidly. Alternatiively, you could get a Stronglight chainset which is still square taper with the advantage of a wide choice of chainring sizes.

Your standard front mech will be fine, I've used that and a compact mech and there is bugger all difference. Can't answer your Shimano query as I don't use their stuff.

juggler

I swapped by 10 speed Shimano Dura Ace chainset for the 50/34 Compact. Assuming you have a double at the moment, then this should be simple? If you have a triple then you will need a new front derailleur and STI levers i think.

Will take approx 5 mins to change the chainset (clear instructions with the new chainset on how to do this). You need the plastic Shimano tool to install/remove the Hollowtech crank bolts (costs about £4). The crank arm is secured using an Allen key. You will probably need to remove some links from the chain, which may in turn mean a new chain, if it is not one you can break and remove links from.

In theory you may then want to drop the front derailleur slightly to make the gear change and the fron smoother and reduce the risk of the chain dropping.

Overall - easy job.

Mettan

whoof wrote:

c) Has anyone tried the Shimano 4550 compact chainset, at £34.95 these seems (?) like a bargain. Or possibley the R600 chainset.
Thanks

I've just bought the 4550 chainset (for the same reason - Hilly Sportives this year) - arrived this morning - it's not been fitted yet - looks well made, reasonably light - all the bits in the box etc - I got mine from CRC, good price for what you get really - the Cups cost an extra £15 quid, so factor that in - mine will be fitted by Thursday or Friday. If need be I'll post back then and give a quick review.

Garybee

juggler wrote:

I swapped by 10 speed Shimano Dura Ace chainset for the 50/34 Compact. Assuming you have a double at the moment, then this should be simple? If you have a triple then you will need a new front derailleur and STI levers i think.

Will take approx 5 mins to change the chainset (clear instructions with the new chainset on how to do this). You need the plastic Shimano tool to install/remove the Hollowtech crank bolts (costs about £4). The crank arm is secured using an Allen key. You will probably need to remove some links from the chain, which may in turn mean a new chain, if it is not one you can break and remove links from.

In theory you may then want to drop the front derailleur slightly to make the gear change and the fron smoother and reduce the risk of the chain dropping.

Overall - easy job.

No need to change the levers or front mech. You definately need to adjust the front mech though, otherwise it'll be far too high above the outer chainring.

ScottieP

Hi There

Sorry to ask a dumb question but would the 4550 compact be compatible with 9 speed 105? I have a 2005 Specialized Allez Elite that I would like to change to a compact and this sounds ideal.

Thanks for any info.

ScottieP

SDP

yes ..no problem

ScottieP

Thanks SDP!

wildmoustache

yes, I switched from a triple to a 4550 shimano compact on my girlfriends bike. no need to change FD, but as others have said, you have to lower it a little. I actually did change FD to 105 as previous SORA FD was junk, and I got the 105 for £9 or something.

The 4550 is a nice piece of kit. Stiff and very well made. Not light, but it is cheap.

Mettan

Got my 4550 fitted today - only been out on a short ride though - the gear changing seems substantially smoother and somewhat quieter - not sure why? - as for stiffness, I haven't noticed a substantial improvement but it seems a slight improvement - it's going to take a few days to get used to it though - I've got a MTB cassette on the back so my mind's been a bit sidetracked by the new even lower gearing feel - I might go back to a 30 on the back as opposed to a 32 :oops: - generally pleased though - good budget compact, and good value for the price.