36/52 crank vs 39/53

[solly]

Is there benefit to go with the compact crank

[Sharkie 2]

Compact is 50/34 and only benefit would be if you are struggling to ride a good cadence with a 54/39 it would help, climbing wise it would also help but you can sort that by going with a 28 at the back if need be

[Sarge]

Hi Solly,

My new bike came out with a compact, but I could not get used to it. Replaced it with a standard - even though as Sharky says, the compact is nice on a steep hill.

Regards

Sarge

[Zatek]

I changed my cassette to 12-28 instead of 11-25. one less tooth at the back doesn't make a difference according to me. Leg speed makes up for the 1 less tooth on the casette

[Cippo]

Road standard for years and my new bike came with compact. Even after months I could not find a sweetspot at the back as I was used to spinning with a 39/17 or 19. Climbing thou wasnt a problem and I would go as high as 21 at the back with a 11-23 ratio cassette. I switche to a standard again 53/39 and a 12-25 cassette. Compacts are good imo if you limited to an 11-23 at the back. In Cpt I have never used lighter than a 23 with a standard crank. Interesting story about resistance as well, at World TT champs everyone used a 55/11 combination and Tony Martin used a 58/12. According to his mechanics it was easier to get up to speed with a 12 as opposed to an 11 as the 12 offered least resistance. If you're not a sprinter I don't see the point of having an 11, instead you can do with an extra 27 cog at the back in case of a bad day on the hills.

[G...]

I love my compact crank, i think its great for beginners. But as your legs develop i don't think it really matter what you ride. I swopped bikes (just for a ride) with a mate he rides standard and battles to ride it, i could feel no difference between the bikes now. He absolutely loved the compact, infact said im cheating on climbs. He is currently buying a compact crank.

['Dale]

Compact cranks - so wrong for the road.

 

53/39 baby yeah

 

Think about it like this...

Standard = make my pistons stronger

[jcza]

Compact cranks - so wrong for the road.

 

53/39 baby yeah

 

Think about it like this...

Standard = make my pistons stronger

 

Hoping it makes mine stronger too but still have to stand now and then

[Wyatt Earp]

I am using 52/36, very seldom go in to the 36, but I love the 52 blade ,makes me work a proper cadence.

[Pure Savage]

I bought a new bike which came with 10spd and a compact crank and a 27-11 at the back.

 

I am struggling to find a 23-11 in Cape Town. I had a standard crank and a 25-12 on my old 9speed and was happy with it most of the time.

 

Any suggestions about finding a 23-11 or is the 11 really that important? Can I go 23-12??

 

Thanks

[Velouria]

Before asking such questions on The Hub, a quick search of the Velominati will usually provide an answer:

http://www.velominati.com/tradition/look-pro-the-flemish-compact/

 

Everyone knows that the quality of one’s character is measured by the size gear they can push, particularly when going uphill. It is also a well-established fact that no self-respecting Flemish Pro would ever ride a Compact, no matter what condition their knees are in or how ferocious the gradient. Which, by extension, means that Compacts are for sissies. In fact, a true Flandrian would rather lose their national race than ride a Sissy Gear.

[SwissVan]

Before asking such questions on The Hub, a quick search of the Velominati will usually provide an answer:

http://www.velominat...lemish-compact/

 

Quote

 

Everyone knows that the quality of one’s character is measured by the size gear they can push, particularly when going uphill. It is also a well-established fact that no self-respecting Flemish Pro would ever ride a Compact, no matter what condition their knees are in or how ferocious the gradient. Which, by extension, means that Compacts are for sissies. In fact, a true Flandrian would rather lose their national race than ride a Sissy Gear.

 

 

And what do the Velominati say about the latest mtb gearing trends.... TINY chain rings and HUMONGOUS clusters... a bit like compact gears.....?

 

Methinks some people should ride what they capable of and not what their pride says they should

 

Morning all

[Velouria]

And what do the Velominati say about the latest mtb gearing trends.... TINY chain rings and HUMONGOUS clusters... a bit like compact gears.....?

 

Methinks some people should ride what they capable of and not what their pride says they should

 

 

I think the Velominati have given up trying to rein in mountain bikers, and have yielded to the corporate machine that dictates we need a new bike/chain ring/wheel/cluster/fork size every year. They regard mountain biking as a quirky side show with no history and tradition, jumping from one fad to the next...

[Breezer]

I ride a 53/39 and 27/12. I like to ride cross chain and the 53-27 is good for any hill. I did the 2013 99er and Argus only on my 53 blade.

[Pure Savage]

I have managed to find a 12-23 in Cape Town, will I notice the difference between the 11 and the 12??

[Velouria]

I have managed to find a 12-23 in Cape Town, will I notice the difference between the 11 and the 12??

I also struggled trying to get an 11-23, and eventually opted for an 11-25.

 

Here is the difference between an 11 and 12 - seems like a little more than 5rpm

 

Edited January 7, 2014 by Velouria