Compact Crank

[amoryns]

What is the difference between a compact crank and normal crank? Any advantages to compact crank?

[Ox_Wagon]

Yes it is lighter.  

[Daxiet]

One less blade different gear ratios. Don't see myself switching any time soon.

[SwissVan]

 

A compact crank with the correct cluster on the back gives you more hill climbing options (easier gears) without sacrificing flat terrain gearing. You do loose a bit of top speed gearing (speeds above +/- 55kmh your cadence will be very high).

 

There is a weight saving due to shorter chain, smaller chainrings in the front.

 

They are great if you live in serious hilly terrain.

 

 

[Tankman]

Compact crank will definitely give you more versatility in terms of gear ratios.

 

 

 

Standard cranks come with a 53/39 setup

 

compact cranks have a 50/34 setup

 

 

 

I use a compact crank and run a 52/36 setup, I can change to 53/39 anytime and play around a bit more, but on 53/39 you are pretty much stuck with it, unless you wanna go bigger of course!

 

 

 

I have to stress that getting hold of bigger chainrings for compact cranks is not that easy, you LBS doesnt normally stock them and would have to be ordered.

 

 

 

The compact crank has a BCD (bolt center diameter) of 110mm and standard a 130mm BCD. Tankman2009-09-04 03:29:47

[amoryns]

thanks for the info.....

[Jaco-fiets]

I started cycling 3 years ago and had compact crank from the start. I struggle with climbs and 3 months ago i switched to std cranks. It helped my climbing like you wont believe. Will not go back

[TreeDodger]

Fiets jakkals... can you clarify how it helped your climbing? I thought spinning up hills were better than lower cadence?

[Woofie]

 

Compact crank will definitely give you more versatility in terms of gear ratios.

 

 

 

Standard cranks come with a 53/39 setup

 

compact cranks have a 50/34 setup

 

 

 

I use a compact crank and run a 52/36 setup' date=' I can change to 53/39 anytime and play around a bit more, but on 53/39 you are pretty much stuck with it, unless you wanna go bigger of course!

 

 

 

I have to stress that getting hold of bigger chainrings for compact cranks is not that easy, you LBS doesnt normally stock them and would have to be ordered.

 

 

 

The compact crank has a BCD (bolt center diameter) of 110mm and standard a 130mm BCD. [/quote']

 

Tankman :

Where did you get your 52 chainring from?

I also have a 50/36 setup, but I would like to maybe go the 52/36 route as well.

 

Thanks

 

[Akkedis]

I started cycling 3 years ago and had compact crank from the start. I struggle with climbs and 3 months ago i switched to std cranks. It helped my climbing like you wont believe. Will not go back

 

 

 

I dont believe.

 

 

 

Now I am confused. I have a std crank and battle with the climbing in the Tzaneen area. Wanted to switch to a compact.

 

 

 

How did the std helped?

[Aquatic]

 

Having ridden standard and compact,i found a noticable difference on hills with compact..and yes,big blades for compact are harder to get,make sure the b.c.d. is correct

Bushmaster2009-09-27 10:43:44

[Tankman]

...Tankman2009-09-28 01:51:22

[Tankman]

 

Tankman :Where did you get your 52 chainring from?I also have a 50/36 setup' date=' but I would like to maybe go the 52/36 route as well.Thanks[/quote']

 

 

 

from helderberg cycles in somerset west, by chance they had one in the store!

 

 

 

I asked them to order me another just before the argus this year and i still havent even had a phone call from them to confirm placing an order!

 

 

 

just try your LBS, you might get it from them quicker!