What is a compact?

♠ChumBucket♠

Hi guys

What exactly is a "compact" in reference to a road bike? I'm suspecting it's to do with gearing but would appreciate if someone could explain it to me. :oops:

Thanks

simona75

A compact refers to the front chainset having less teeth than normal chainsets. A compact chainset will typically have one small chainring with 34 teeth and one large chainring with 50 teeth. Regular double chainsets have 39 and 53 teeth respectively. The smaller chainrings mean that you have an easier range of gears. More and more bikes nowadays come with compact as standard. Hope that helps

pinarellokid

What he said lol

♠ChumBucket♠

Thank you, much appreciated.

flasher

Also refers to compact road geometry frame.

Sheldon Brown wrote:

Compact Frame:
Traditional "road" frames have been built with level top tubes since the early 1900s. The influence of mountain and BMX bike design has led to the increasing popularity of frames with sloping top tubes, higher at the front.
"Compact" road frames have sloping top tubes, and are intended to be used with a long seatpost. Compact frames are a little bit lighter than traditional ones, but this is partially offset by the weight of the longer seatppost. Some riders believe these frames are stiffer.
When the down tube and seat tube intersect directly above the front axle, as is usual with a road frame, weight loading only tensions the down tube and compresses the top tube. When the intersection is farther back than the axle, the bending loads on these tubes require the front end of the frame to be of stronger construction.
Manufacturers like compact frames because they are more versatile in terms of fit. Usually 3 or 4 sizes are enough to fit 98% of customers. This saves a lot of money for a manufacturer who doesn't need to deal with so many different sizes.

Wirral_paul

To ensure you look good (in your Rapha gear) at the cycling cafe.



Couldnt resist sorry. What Simona said ^^