Please help! to compact or not?

[Rifi]

Hi

So i have been riding Ultegra compact 10 speed for about 3ish years with a 11-27 cassette.

 

I am looking at changing my groupset now to 11 speed and was advised to put on non-compact.

 

So this is my dilema?

 

1. Should I change from compact?

2. If I do change, do i selected a 11-27,25 or 23 cassette?

3. If I stay compact, do i select 11-27, 25 or 23 cassette?

 

Hubbers.... please help!

[TopFuel]

Why change if it works for you?

 

Going standard will give you more top end, but could also add unnecessary gear ratios to your setup, in that there will be some gears that overlap.

 

Currently, I ride 11-23 with a 53-39 standard crankset, struggle a bit on the hills further into rides with such a low easy gear. When my cassette is next due for replacement, I'll probably go for 11-25. Unfortunately, Campagnolo cassettes last longer than time itself.

 

In answer to your question, I would either stay compact with 11-23/25, or go standard with 11-25/27. Beyond that it is personal preference and riding style.

[Rifi]

Why change if it works for you?

 

Going standard will give you more top end, but could also add unnecessary gear ratios to your setup, in that there will be some gears that overlap.

 

Currently, I ride 11-23 with a 53-39 standard crankset, struggle a bit on the hills further into rides with such a low easy gear. When my cassette is next due for replacement, I'll probably go for 11-25. Unfortunately, Campagnolo cassettes last longer than time itself.

 

In answer to your question, I would either stay compact with 11-23/25, or go standard with 11-25/27. Beyond that it is personal preference and riding style.

Thank you, makes sense what you are saying. So compact with a 11-25 cassette it is...

[Falco]

Your current setup of compact and 27 is ok if you do a lot of climbing or are unfit. On the flats the 50:11 will put you at a slight disadvantage over a rider on a standard 53 crank.

 

Imo it comes down to profile and fitness, nothing more. Most riders with 3+ years experience would easily be able to ride a standard 53:39 with a 25:11 for most conditions.

 

One other thing you need to consider is whether you like to spin or grind. If spinning is your thing, stay on the compact and 27. If you like to grind, go to a standard with a 25 or even a 23

[Tankman]

If you are getting the Ultegra 6800 crankset, you are in luck and dont really need to worry.

 

You can chop and change between standard and compact by just changing the chairings.

 

It has a 110mm BCD and the combos can be anyting from 34 to 55.

Like 50/34, 52/36, 52/39, 53/39 or even 46/36 for cyclocross.

 

If compact is working for you, stick with it, if it is not working ... read above again!

[PJP2013]

Your current setup of compact and 27 is ok if you do a lot of climbing or are unfit. On the flats the 50:11 will put you at a slight disadvantage over a rider on a standard 53 crank.

 

Imo it comes down to profile and fitness, nothing more. Most riders with 3+ years experience would easily be able to ride a standard 53:39 with a 25:11 for most conditions.

 

One other thing you need to consider is whether you like to spin or grind. If spinning is your thing, stay on the compact and 27. If you like to grind, go to a standard with a 25 or even a 23

 

Please explain how a compact would put you at a disadvantage on the flats?

[LOOK695]

 

 

Please explain how a compact would put you at a disadvantage on the flats?

53/11 ratio is faster than 50/11, but the question is: are you able to ride a 50/11 comfortably on a flat road, never mind a 53/11?

[Falco]

Please explain how a compact would put you at a disadvantage on the flats?

 

A compact (50):11 will be slower than a standard (53):11 on flats and downhills.

 

The ratio would be 4.54 vs 4.81

[Falco]

53/11 ratio is faster than 50/11, but the question is: are you able to ride a 50/11 comfortably on a flat road, never mind a 53/11?

 

This too.

 

it assumes that the rider is able to power the gear.

[PJP2013]

On paper a 53/11 is a "faster" gear but on the road it's a different story. In reality how many of us can say we grind in 53/11 on regular basis for long time periods? Until recently 53/12 was the "fastest" gear available which is in fact "slower" than a 50/11. So unless you are superman and can push a 53/11 for a long time there is no disadvantage for the compact on the flats and downhills. On a long straight downhill you may lose some top end but nothing a good aero position can't make up for.

 

I used to be anti compact until I was forced to ride it. Now, don't think will ever go back to standard. I have been using for almost a year and never been dropped due to lack of gears on the flats. I can easily stay with guys riding 53/39 rings and the benefit on the hills is a much bigger advantage.

 

So imho, unless you superman, a continental pro, or like grinding, compact cranks will be better suited to most other riders.

 

The interesting thing is that most criticism of compact cranks come from guys that have never ridden them any length of time.

 

But end of day it's a personal choice, so there is no right or wrong answer only experiences.

Edited July 21, 2014 by PJP2013

[Thomo]

But end of day it's a personal choice, so there is no right or wrong answer only experiences.

 

You beat me to it.!

No right or wrong ... only right or wrong for you.

Experience will show you which is best for you, and which makes you the most efficient rider.