Crankset

Simonb256

Hi all.

Im currently looking to replace my tired old tiagra Compact triple with either a single or double.

Though Im not sure what I need to be aware of.

Is there anything I need to shy away from?

Im currently looking at the raceface cadence crankset as its cheap and cheerful.

The bike is only used for commuting and the odd bit or a tour. Though I still do between 150/200miles per week.

I am heavy on parts, however my crankset has lasted well over two years now and is looking worse for wear.

I am looking for a 53t outter ring and I use the middle ring about three times a year (I live in the midlands).

Is there anytihng people recommend?

I dont want to go over £150 sot hats about my budget.

I am running a SRAM cassette and will be replacing the chain with a SRAM one.

Also how does chaning the number of rings effect the chainline?

Thanks.

dilemna

I would advise replacing your knackered Tiagra chainset with a Shimano 105 triple or double and also the bottom bracket while you're at it. They're both still just available not that expensive, but not to replace the BB would be a false economy IMHO. I think the 105 chainset has a 52T big ring. You can still get 105 5500 Octalink BB in 109 (double) or 118mm (triple) widths. English thread 68mm. You might be limited in what crank lengths you can get if you intend to buy new but have a look around. Buying used means you only buy some else's worn out junk, particularly so with chainsets. I think your triple front mech will still be fine on a normal road chainset if you've been using a compact which will have a 50T outer ring. Just move the front mech up the seat tube very slightly if it's a clamp on one. If braze on you might have some adjustment to allow you to do this. Of course you could consider a new full hollow tech 2 chainset with out board bottom bracket cups housing the bearings. A bit more £££. Get a decent chain though such as Shimamo HG 93.
Hope this has been of help.
Alex

Simonb256

Erm sort of.

I have recently replaced the bb with an ultegra one, and hence Im not fussed about replacing it with the crankset.

I am currently using a hollowtech2 crankset and wat to replace it as its worse for wear.

Im aware that I would need to change the position of the front mech and resetup the gears.

So you are suggesting that I stay with shimano?

terongi

You will need new levers if you change from triple to double (standard or compact).

t's an expensive option. What's wrong with a new triple?

You don't have to buy Shimano, but you will need something which is compatible with your existing shimano set up unless you want to replace the entire drivetrain

Brassknocker

terongi wrote:

You will need new levers if you change from triple to double (standard or compact).

t's an expensive option. What's wrong with a new triple?

You don't have to buy Shimano, but you will need something which is compatible with your existing shimano set up unless you want to replace the entire drivetrain

Disagree with that. True, if you're going from a double to a triple you'll need new lever, but going from triple to a double will be OK, you'll just have the extra click, but narrow the adjustment for the front mech for 2 rather than 3 rings and all will be fine.

dilemna

You should have said your BB was Ultegra. Now no longer available only 105. So if you currently have a triple albeit a compact chainset then you should be able to replace it with a std triple road chainset. It will have to be Octalink as your current Ultegra BB is Octalink (splined) 118mm. Unfortunately I don't think there are any more Ultegra road triples around only 105s. If you wanted to go to a double then you would have to change your BB for a narrower one 109mm. Shimano has discontinued the Ultegra so only 105s are availble which are similar to the Ultegra although not quite so upmarket. I would just look for a new Shimano std triple chainset Octalink 105 chainset. You will not then have to bother with changing or adjusting shifters or buying a new BB. Just shift the front mech up the seat tube a smidgeon if you need to. Shimano compact chainset big ring is 50T whereas the std road chainset I think has a 52T big ring.

I think SJS were doing some Shimano Ultegra Chainsets althoug they were a bit pricey at £90-100. Maybe they have some cheaper 105s. Check them out. But most retailer stocks are now gone. CRC were knocking them out for about £50 last summer to shift old stock I guess, but now all gone. I got several to see me out for a few years.