Compact v regular cranks

[handle-bar]

Hi Guys, can someone briefly explain to me the difference between compact and regular cranks/group sets.

[Zeps]

Compact is for girls

[philip.maree]

Compact Cranks have a 50/34t chain ring configuration whilst Regular Cranks have a 53/39t or 53/42t chain ring configuration.

[handle-bar]

Compact is for girls

 

That is kind of the feeling i was getting. Would hardly want to have a girls bike as my first bike!!

[Zeps]

They are also for old men with gammy knees like Delboy ;-)

[scotty]

I would like to get compact but my LBS wont let me, last time i enquired the owner called me a lazy $%^&*#$ and chased me out his shop.

[Eldron]

I can't understand the compact crank phenomenon...

 

It makes sense in Europe where 60+ riders want to complete grand fondo style events over crazy mountains.

 

It makes no sense locally unless you're a recreational rider that relocates to Hazyview or the Drakensburg.

 

A 39x27 should get you over anything. Hell is thats an issue buy a mtb cassette and you can have a 39x34! Stairs? No problem!

[GuyP]

haha, the old schoolers and their preferences for huge body-builder legs. Indeed, if I recall correctly Alan van Heerden liked his 55t!

[Minion]

Compact is for girls

...and weight weenies. Compacts are lighter.

[Eldron]

I would like to get compact but my LBS wont let me, last time i enquired the owner called me a lazy $%^&*#$ and chased me out his shop.

 

 

Rightfully so

 

The same applies to stupid questions like "can I fit slicks to my mtb?", "does it come in dual suspension?", "is a softer saddle available", "is there enough clearence for 27mm tyres?", "can I have some bar ends for my riser bars" and "HOW MUCH? DO I GET AN ENGINE FOR THAT PRICE?"...

[Zeps]

I would like to get compact but my LBS wont let me, last time i enquired the owner called me a lazy $%^&*#$ and chased me out his shop.

 

Ah a man after my own heart that hey Scotty

[philip.maree]

It's the same as barends on riser bars. If it works for you, ride it no matter what the others say.

 

No point in mashing the pedals to get to the top of climb in your 39t blade when you can spin it out in a 34t blade.

[scotty]

Ah a man after my own heart that hey Scotty

That he is BigS

How did the garmin op go.

[Zeps]

It's the same as barends on riser bars. If it works for you, ride it no matter what the others say.

 

No point in mashing the pedals to get to the top of climb in your 39t blade when you can spin it out in a 34t blade.

 

yip you can do that (either the bar ends or the compact) but people will point and laugh then whisper to their children .....

[Zeps]

That he is BigS

How did the garmin op go.

 

Highly successful mate! has survived quite a few rides and at least 4 or 5 of those through zoo farm without any hiccup, prior to the surgery it switched off through there without fail every time

[Eldron]

...and weight weenies. Compacts are lighter.

 

 

The difference bewteen an Ultegra 170mm 53/39 and 170mm 50/34 is 2g.

 

Unless the bike comes with a compact or yours breaks I would suggest this as the very last upgrade you do to save weight....

 

At R2,200 on CWC that makes it R1,100/g. Which would make the average 9kg bike worth R9,900,000!

 

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