Compact vs Standard Cranks
moconnor01
Posts: 27
I'm in the process of getting a new bike (yippeee!!!), a couple of options come with compact crankset - I have previously only had 'standard' crankset. Can anyone give me a run down and comments on the differences or recommendations? :?
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Comments
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Compact: allows you to have lower gears, standard setup gives big jump between rings which many don't like, though this can be changed by swapping rings
Standard: smallest ring you can fit is 39 or 38, hence not so low bottom gear, standard setup gives smaller jump between rings and larger big ring for big gear pushers0 -
Yep I have one of each on my two bikes. To be honest I notice very little difference between the two except that the one with the standard can be made to go faster
The inner ring on my compact is a 34 which I find much too piddly for normal use and so I just use the big ring and cross the cassette slightly if needed. In fairness I don't use the inner ring on the standard much either though.
The compact does have slightly smaller gaps between the individual gear ratios. And a lower minimum ratio. Probably the better option if you live somewhere hilly, or are planning to ride in europe on it. However if you are fit enough and strong enough to use a standard then its what I would go for, could always run a 12-25 cassette to get a better climbing ratio.
Al0 -
I'm fit and strong enough to run standard (as indeed I did for many years) it's just that there are steep and long enough hills round here that low gears are handy, but I still like to have nice close ratios in the middle - hence compact makes more sense. Now I've got one and a lower bottom gear I'm actively seeking out climbs I used to avoid.0
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For an average rider there is no advantage using a 'standard' chainset. Anyone who rides about on a 53 ring all the time is either as strong as an ox or is riding gears that are far to big for their health. 90 rpm on 50/19 is 18 mph, on 53/17 it is 22 and they say they can not manage without an 11 cog. I think a bit of kidology is going on.
Currently averageing over 15 mph for 60 mile rides on 42/17 fixed and only going above level 2 on climbs and fast descents. More should try this. You quickly learn how to pedal properly.0 -
Compact makes a lot of sense. You can still run a 50x11 which in my opinion is still too high for most riders and still have acess to lower gears if you live (or ride) in hilly areas. I frequently use my 34T inner on the steep climbs around Surrrey and Hants in combination with a 13-25 or 13-27 cassette. I might not use the lowest gears on some of my club's gut buster rides (1750 metres in 100km) but they are there if needed. Although I only have a 50x13 I rarely use it - more likely to be the 15 or 16.0
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Running a 34+50 compact on a 11-23
It's fractionally lower than the 39 x 25 i was running before.
If you're weight consious
The rings are smaller = lighter
The cassette is smaller = lighter
There is less chain = lighter
The crank spider is smaller = lighter
What's not to like?0 -
Hi all - thanks - really helpfull - now I just need to take the plunge! 0
