Difference between a standard double and a compact?

dg74
dg74 Posts: 656
edited June 2009 in Road beginners
My bike has a standard double and I was passed yesterday by lads who looked like they weren't even trying (I know it also comes down to levels of fitness, etc) but when I started getting overtaken by mountain bikes I knew something was amiss.

Does a compact offer more than a double? Or is it maybe worth looking for a triple and changing the gears all together?

Or should I just buy a new bike :D

Comments

  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    Lower gears won't make you go any faster
    I like bikes...

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  • NoNotAgain
    NoNotAgain Posts: 91
    To be honest, I think you should train harder.
    A standard double can, in theory, make you go faster than a compact.
    The more teeth front and the less rear, the faster you are - provided you are strong enough.
    Compact is rather designed for steep mountains, in the flat a standard would be first choice.
    How fast do you ride anyway?
    1,000km+ a month, strictly road.
  • John.T
    John.T Posts: 3,698
    A compact only gives one lower gear than a standard double (with the same cassette). This can make the difference between riding up a hill and struggling up but it wont make you any faster. That needs training.
    My Fleet.
  • Mettan
    Mettan Posts: 2,103
    dg74 wrote:
    My bike has a standard double and I was passed yesterday by lads who looked like they weren't even trying (I know it also comes down to levels of fitness, etc) but when I started getting overtaken by mountain bikes I knew something was amiss.

    Does a compact offer more than a double? Or is it maybe worth looking for a triple and changing the gears all together?

    Or should I just buy a new bike :D

    If you're getting into regular Sportive's DG, personally i'd get a 50/34 Compact fitted and possibly a 27 on the back - obviously, if you predominantly ride/race/train on the flat then a Double is a better option. Training's crucial either way.
  • dg74
    dg74 Posts: 656
    cheers lads. I sort of new the answer would be more training and it's just a matter of me fitting this in to my schedule (I really have no reason not to - just being a lazy git :( )

    I also now have to book the bike into my local lbs due to a knocking coming from the crank area when I peddle. Oh god...please don't let this be expensive!!!

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