compact 50/34 vs standard 53/39

[Cruzer]

I started out on a compact crankset - it was ok, didnent know any better

I changed to 53/39 11/23 and times improved  and I became stronger.

I discovered Suikerbosrand and nearly k#&*#d myself.

I now ride a 53/39 12/25 and all is well, even Suikerbosrand.

 

 

 

[Ox_Wagon]

53 is faster' date=' only ladies(sorry guys) use a 50
[/quote']

well said STM

 

In light of this brilliant technical explanation on the pros and cons I must admit your right, a standard definitively gives you more street credit so rather go for it.

[Canaris]

what ever works for you.

 

try a 50 at the fron t and an 11/21 on the back if you want.

or a 53 on the front with a 13/27 on the back

[NotSoBigBen]

Look guys there are a few things that just say amateur/girl to me and they are as follows ranked in importance:-

 

1) Compact or triple chainring on a roadbike (unless you're riding the Etape ....)

2) Camelback on a roadbike or on an MTB for a 2 hour or less ride ......

3) MTB shoes on a roadbike (where you gonna get off and walk huh?)

4) Bar ends on a riser bar (sorry HR but it just looks dumb!)

 

And no I am not reading any technical discussions of why any of these are 'ok' ........

 

 

 

[Canaris]

Look guys there are a few things that just say amateur/girl to me and they are as follows ranked in importance:-

 

1) Compact or triple chainring on a roadbike (unless you're riding the Etape ....)

2) Camelback on a roadbike or on an MTB for a 2 hour or less ride ......

3) MTB shoes on a roadbike (where you gonna get off and walk huh?)

4) Bar ends on a riser bar (sorry HR but it just looks dumb!)

 

And no I am not reading any technical discussions of why any of these are 'ok' ........

 

 

 

 

add to the list:

 

5)baggy pants on a road  bike

6)leg warmers without arm warmers

7) white socks on a mtb

8)visor on a helmet (unless you are on a mtb then this is cool)

9) TT bars on a mtb

[Delgado]

Look guys there are a few things that just say amateur/girl to me and they are as follows ranked in importance:-

 

1) Compact or triple chainring on a roadbike (unless you're riding the Etape ....)

2) Camelback on a roadbike or on an MTB for a 2 hour or less ride ......

3) MTB shoes on a roadbike (where you gonna get off and walk huh?)

4) Bar ends on a riser bar (sorry HR but it just looks dumb!)

 

And no I am not reading any technical discussions of why any of these are 'ok' ........

 

 

 

 

add to the list:

 

5)baggy pants on a road  bike

6)leg warmers without arm warmers

7) white socks on a mtb

8)visor on a helmet (unless you are on a mtb then this is cool)

9) TT bars on a mtb

..or Tennis socks when cycling!! Like that American used to!!

[IanJ]

Look guys there are a few things that just say amateur/girl to me and they are as follows ranked in importance:-

 

1) Compact or triple chainring on a roadbike (unless you're riding the Etape ....)

2) Camelback on a roadbike or on an MTB for a 2 hour or less ride ......

3) MTB shoes on a roadbike (where you gonna get off and walk huh?)

4) Bar ends on a riser bar (sorry HR but it just looks dumb!)

 

And no I am not reading any technical discussions of why any of these are 'ok' ........

 

 

 

You were nearly off my Christmas present list .

 

 

 

 

[Canaris]

Look guys there are a few things that just say amateur/girl to me and they are as follows ranked in importance:-

 

1) Compact or triple chainring on a roadbike (unless you're riding the Etape ....)

2) Camelback on a roadbike or on an MTB for a 2 hour or less ride ......

3) MTB shoes on a roadbike (where you gonna get off and walk huh?)

4) Bar ends on a riser bar (sorry HR but it just looks dumb!)

 

And no I am not reading any technical discussions of why any of these are 'ok' ........

 

 

 

 

add to the list:

 

5)baggy pants on a road  bike

6)leg warmers without arm warmers

7) white socks on a mtb

8)visor on a helmet (unless you are on a mtb then this is cool)

9) TT bars on a mtb

..or Tennis socks when cycling!! Like that American used to!!

 

nike gloves are also a NONO

[Chippy]

Look guys there are a few things that just say amateur/girl to me and they are as follows ranked in importance:-

 

1) Compact or triple chainring on a roadbike (unless you're riding the Etape ....)

2) Camelback on a roadbike or on an MTB for a 2 hour or less ride ......

3) MTB shoes on a roadbike (where you gonna get off and walk huh?)

4) Bar ends on a riser bar (sorry HR but it just looks dumb!)

 

And no I am not reading any technical discussions of why any of these are 'ok' ........

 

 

 

BigBen, I will still ride you off with my compact cranks!!

[NotSoBigBen]

Look guys there are a few things that just say amateur/girl to me and they are as follows ranked in importance:-

 

1) Compact or triple chainring on a roadbike (unless you're riding the Etape ....)

2) Camelback on a roadbike or on an MTB for a 2 hour or less ride ......

3) MTB shoes on a roadbike (where you gonna get off and walk huh?)

4) Bar ends on a riser bar (sorry HR but it just looks dumb!)

 

And no I am not reading any technical discussions of why any of these are 'ok' ........

 

 

 

You were nearly off my Christmas present list .

 

 

 

 

 

I'll be watching the post .......

[NotSoBigBen]

Look guys there are a few things that just say amateur/girl to me and they are as follows ranked in importance:-

 

1) Compact or triple chainring on a roadbike (unless you're riding the Etape ....)

2) Camelback on a roadbike or on an MTB for a 2 hour or less ride ......

3) MTB shoes on a roadbike (where you gonna get off and walk huh?)

4) Bar ends on a riser bar (sorry HR but it just looks dumb!)

 

And no I am not reading any technical discussions of why any of these are 'ok' ........

 

 

 

BigBen' date=' I will still ride you off with my compact cranks!!

[/quote']

 

How do you know?

[jabbathemutt007]

 

Look guys there are a few things that just say amateur/girl to me and they are as follows ranked in importance:-

 

1) Compact or triple chainring on a roadbike (unless you're riding the Etape ....)

2) Camelback on a roadbike or on an MTB for a 2 hour or less ride ......

3) MTB shoes on a roadbike (where you gonna get off and walk huh?)

4) Bar ends on a riser bar (sorry HR but it just looks dumb!)

 

At least one can still look pretty in your pink jersey, although it might offend bigH.

 

[GIRR]

Haha Chippy, I don't know if you could back that statement up against to many on the hub that ride standard cranks.

[IanJ]

Look guys there are a few things that just say amateur/girl to me and they are as follows ranked in importance:-

 

1) Compact or triple chainring on a roadbike (unless you're riding the Etape ....)

2) Camelback on a roadbike or on an MTB for a 2 hour or less ride ......

3) MTB shoes on a roadbike (where you gonna get off and walk huh?)

4) Bar ends on a riser bar (sorry HR but it just looks dumb!)

 

And no I am not reading any technical discussions of why any of these are 'ok' ........

 

 

 

BigBen' date=' I will still ride you off with my compact cranks!!

[/quote']

 

Chippy I must be honest, I fitted compact cranks when I was training for the Etape du Tour last year and I really needed the lower gearing when we were in the Pyrenees.

 

However when you are seriously racing especially in flatter races you need the speed of a 53 tooth large chain ring. I actually can't rememebr using my small chain ring in a recent race.

 

Really boils down to what you want to get out of your cycling.

 

[Ox_Wagon]

10) Arm warmers with a sleeveless jersey

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There is nothing stopping you of putting 52 on compact crank.  

[Delgado]

10) Arm warmers with a sleeveless jersey

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There is nothing stopping you of putting 52 on compact crank.  

Surely the Bolt Circle Diameter is different?