Chainset Options?

lucan

Don't tell my wife, but....

The new Shimano 5600 105 chainset I've just bought was a bargain, but being a bit hard of thinking at times I failed to notice that the offer was for a 39/52 double. When it arrived, I got it out of the box and it's a lovely looking bit of kit in black, but I'm thinking I might not be ideally suited to a 39/52. I'm not great on the hills and use the lowest gear more often than I'd like to on my current compact.

What are my options? I don't want to spend any more money than I have to, so do I look at changing the rings, buying a 105 compact chainset, or what? And any suggestions for cheap suppliers of the necessary parts?

:oops:

aberdeen_lune

Speak to the shop you bought it from and see if you can exchange it. If not flog it on EBay and buy a compact. Don't go down the ring changing route as the BCDs are different something like 110mm for a compact 130 for a standard.

lucan

Thanks for that.

I spoke to the shop and they don't have the compact in and don't know when they'll get one.

I see Chain Reaction have the compact for £90, and Ribble are about the same.

Would that be the best option? Are there any other compatible chainsets I can consider?

maddog 2

yep, return it and buy a compact

R600
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=18393

105
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=46041

or a R700, if you can find one, are all solid chainsets

Also consider the Raceface Cadence and Truvativ Elita* as good budget buys

*[uses GXP cups not Shimano]

rc856

Sorry for the hijack but are the newer Shimano compacts compatible with the old stuff?
My mate has a full Dura Ace groupset....must be about 6 or 7yrs old.
Being a campag man, I don't know much about it.
As we're heading to the Pyrenees, he was thinking about putting a compact on and then selling it when we return.
Does he stick with Shimano or anything compatible and cheap..guess price isn't too important if he'll sell it for a small loss.

What about the rear mech? He currently has a cassette up to 26 or 27 teeth I think.

Cheers

thespanishadam

I'd go for this if it's based on price...also includes the bottom bracket.


http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop ... t_1341.htm

desweller

Another FSA jobbie:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=36335

with the advantage that they're actually in stock, unlike Merlin's.

maddog 2

Sorry for the hijack but are the newer Shimano compacts compatible with the old stuff?

yup

What about the rear mech? He currently has a cassette up to 26 or 27 teeth I think.

older rear mechs (5600/6600/7800 etc. and before) can handle up to 27t sprockets (officially) but occasionally one or two more.

Newer mechs (5700, 6700, 7900) can handle 28t for definite

Velonutter

Quick rule that may help. 3 on the front is worth roughly 1 on the back.