The pros and cons of going compact
Are compact cranks the secret to conquering tough courses?
By Ian Buchanan
May 14, 2008 -- While they do not offer gearing quite as low as that found on a
triple-chainring crank, compact cranks do offer lower gearing options
than traditional double cranks, and compacts are typically less
expensive, lighter and less mechanically complex than triple cranks.
Before switching to a compact setup, however, you should understand
what you will give up and what you will gain. While most traditional
double cranks have a 53-tooth big chainring and a 39-tooth small
chainring, most compact cranks come with a 50-tooth outer ring and
34-tooth inner ring. Unless there are rear cassettes available that
offer a higher gear than what you are currently using (an 11-23 instead
of a 12-23, for example), expect to sacrifice your highest (fastest)
gear in exchange for the lower compact gearing. That said, for those
who want to maintain as high a top gear as possible with a compact
drive train, we have successfully set up systems with aftermarket 52/36
chainrings.
In addition to changes in gearing, compact cranks change your bike
mechanically. From a parts perspective, going compact can involve as
little as simply swapping the cranks. However, this is not always the
case. Other potential mechanical changes to be aware of before
switching to compact gearing are outlined below.
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Also, send Blue Bicycle's Ryan Barnett your "get well" wishes
here. Barnett was struck by a truck while warming up for a crit last weekend and remains hospitalized.