Compact Crank a viable alternative?

larrynipon said:

Currently riding a 9-speed 53/39 with a 12-27 cluster. When doing steep climbs, I find I need to push 300+ watts. My threshold is around 210. My 3 mile field test averages around 24mph with an average power of 255. I rarely push the 53/12. I am thinking of going with the FSA compact (34/50) and changing out the 12 gear for an 11. I figure this will allow for better climbing rides while still allowing me to maintain a reasonable average speed on the flats.
Comments?

The compact will give you an easier gear to climb with. If you rarely push the 53/12, why put an 11 on there? Leave the cassette and just replace the chainring.

larrynipon said:

Currently riding a 9-speed 53/39 with a 12-27 cluster. When doing steep climbs, I find I need to push 300+ watts. My threshold is around 210. My 3 mile field test averages around 24mph with an average power of 255. I rarely push the 53/12. I am thinking of going with the FSA compact (34/50) and changing out the 12 gear for an 11. I figure this will allow for better climbing rides while still allowing me to maintain a reasonable average speed on the flats.
Comments?

The compact is the answer to your woes. In fact Tyler Hamilton campaigned one when he was nursing a broken collarbone in the tour to help him in the alps while maintainig reasonble speed in the descents/flat sections. I agree with leaving the cassette as is. Also, a 34/50 might necessitate a dedicated compact front derailleur - check w/ your mechanic if your current der can handle it.

Bear in mind the change in gearing might change your cadence preferences of course. You cant always match the gearing and cadence due to potential crosschaining. Might want to note what your couple favorite gears are on non-climbs and what speed and cadences you average in them. Do the math and see what gears that drops you into on the compact. You might find yourself crosschained and needing to ride a slightly higher cadence etc on the compact to get your same speed averages as a result. Its what I found when I put a compact 50-34 12-25 on one of my bikes. I raise it just as food for thought really if you havent looked at that.

larrynipon said:

I am thinking of going with the FSA compact (34/50) and changing out the 12 gear for an 11.

Swap the cranks, but leave the cassette. A 50x11 ends up being a slightly taller gear than the 53x12. Why spend more money to get back the gear you weren't using in the first place?