Compact to Double Easy?

Hurricane151

I have just ordered my new CAAD9 which comes with a shimano compact chainset and I was thinking of swapping this out for a double.

Is it simply a case of swapping the old chainset for the new one or will I need a new chain, re-setting the gears etc. It is this that usually puts me off upgrading as i'm never sure of the work involved being totally mechanical inept

I guess another question would be wether i would notice much difference going from a 50/34 to 53/39

Any advice would be appreciated

Many Thanks

dru

A question - why do you want to change from the compact to the double?

What is your motivation behind it?

I've got two bikes one runs a double and one runs a compact.
The compact is easier for me on the hills.

Hurricane151

The main reason is that I have used a compact on my old bike and I very rarely used the 34 ring and I thought the 53 would help out my top speed but still be able to use the 39 for the hills (not to many severe hills where I ride)

Limburger

Did it myself not so long ago.

Just a case of moving the front mech up by an appropriate distance.
Chain might be a few links too short though depends on how much slack is in it from the factory.

Gears shouldn't need messing with apart from the front mech of course.

Whether you will notice any difference depends on you I suppose. I changed because I only ever used the 50 ring as the 34 was way too small so I had a bad chain line.
Depends on what cassette you use too I would imagine. I use a 12-23 so not alot of range but closer ratios.

Either way its not a difficult swap. maybe a 10 minute job if your swapping like for like as you don't need to change the BB. All you need is a few allen keys.
If you don't like it you can swap it back, its not the end of the world.

If you fancy it, go for it.

maddog 2

I'm going the other way on a mate's bike - from double to a compact.

I'll check his specs tomorrow but his chainset may end up in the classifieds fairly soon.

It's a 7800 Dura Ace.

Swapping is a doddle. Raise/lower the mech a tad and maybe remove a link or two.

Hurricane151

maddog 2 wrote:

I'm going the other way on a mate's bike - from double to a compact.

I'll check his specs tomorrow but his chainset may end up in the classifieds fairly soon.

It's a 7800 Dura Ace.

Swapping is a doddle. Raise/lower the mech a tad and maybe remove a link or two.

If you do decide to sell let me. know as I'm still looking to buy the replacement.

maddog 2

I'm seeing him tomorrow for xmas meal (father-in-law) so I'll check the arm length and ring wear and post again tomorrow.

andrew_s

No need to swap chainsets - just the rings. Compact 110mm BCD rings are available up to 61T at least.