Standard to compact 2005 Ultegra conversion?

bigpikle

I have a 53/39 standard 2005 9 speed Ultegra crankset on my Look 386, as part of a full Ultegra groupset, and want to look at a change to a compact, as I want the extra flexibility.

Can the bike techs tell me whats involved please? Is it a swap of crankset or will I need a FD? Could I also upgrade to 10 speed at the same time or does that mean new shifters, Rd etc?

Many thanks

bigpikle

bump - just wondered if anyone can advise on this?

I just dont get the use out of the 53 ring, as I'm not that strong yet, and spend 90+% of my time in the 39 ring. My thought process is that I would have more flexibility with the 50/34 as I would be able to make more use of the bigger chainring on flats etc and have some additional help with the tougher climbs I'm beginning to take on during my long hilly rides. Even 39/25 is really spiking my HR/effort levels on the tougher hills and I'd like to be able to reduce the effort needed to climb big hills on my 50+ mile rides while I develop my base fitness.

I just dont want to have to spend a fortune to get this conversion sorted if at all possible...

STEFANOS4784

You'd be best off posting in the 'workshop' section.

I think all you need is a compact chainset and should all work fine, depends on your bottom bracket as to which type you'll need, unless you get a new BB as well then you need to make sure that's the correct type for your bike.

bigpikle

thanks - missed that section :oops:

STEFANOS4784

Haha, no worries, i just know that the guys over there really know there stuff 8)

aogan

I did what you're talking about, except with ultegra 10 speed. I just bought the chainset, fitted it and rode off into the sunset. Very happy with the results too.

ex-pat scot

New chainset- no probs.
should be a straight swap.
No real reason to shorten the chain at all.
#Might# want to drop the frond derailleur down a little so it just clears the outer ring when shifting. Start off without moving it and see how the shifts are

bigpikle

Can I just check - buying a chainset only gets me the single crank, so I'd need to factor in the cost of the LH crank as well I guess? I assume you would want matching cranks especially given the new chainset will be considerably newer (and hence different weight etc) to the current fitted one? Or am I missing something here....?

cjcp

Both cranks come with a chainset.

bigpikle

thanks - just couldnt find anything confirming that on any web pages!