Compact crank- who has experience

coastalrider said:

Hi there,

After reading some posts I am contemplating a compact crank for my new bike (my 40th b-day present to myself).

I have seen FSA and Ritchey cranks. Are these the only brands and does anyone have feedback on either?

I would be looking at the aluminum FSA NOT the carbon.

Thanks!
Marc

nashbar has its own brand compact crank on sale right now for ~$80... I purchased one not too long ago and have been quite satisfied. The difference between it and the low end fsa model (gossamer) seems to be about fifty dollars and forty grams.

Link Here

I have the FSA Energy 50/34 on my new Trek 5200. I'm not expert but it is lighter than the Shimano Ultegra and it shifts nicely and gives me a great range of gears. I have 12-27 Ultegra cogs in the rear.

coastalrider said:

Hi there,

After reading some posts I am contemplating a compact crank for my new bike (my 40th b-day present to myself).

I have seen FSA and Ritchey cranks. Are these the only brands and does anyone have feedback on either?

I would be looking at the aluminum FSA NOT the carbon.

Thanks!
Marc

Well, I just bought the FSA compact energy cranks and I can see an advantage in climbing. It just seems like i spin better. Certainly not scientific.

coastalrider said:

Hi there,

After reading some posts I am contemplating a compact crank for my new bike (my 40th b-day present to myself).

I have seen FSA and Ritchey cranks. Are these the only brands and does anyone have feedback on either?

I would be looking at the aluminum FSA NOT the carbon.

Thanks!
Marc

Why wouldn't you want the carbon compact crank? It's GREAT! It's very light and strong, and gives you a partial solution to Shimano's failure to offer a triple in Dura Ace 10 speed. You can go up 13% grades without getting out of the saddle.
I just did the Torture 10,000 (in Oregon) and managed quite nicely with an FSA compact crank and a 12-27 cassette, (although next year I definitely want to have a triple and be 30 pounds lighter).
The only shortfalls of the compact crank is that you can't really "spin" up the really steep grades, and you start to spin out at around 35mph on the flats and downhills, so your top end speed is a little limited and your descents are "coasting only".
I would recommend it highly unless you want to stick with Ultegra or Dura Ace 9 speed triple.http://www.cyclingforums.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

mitchel said:

Why wouldn't you want the carbon compact crank? It's GREAT! It's very light and strong, and gives you a partial solution to Shimano's failure to offer a triple in Dura Ace 10 speed. You can go up 13% grades without getting out of the saddle.
I just did the Torture 10,000 (in Oregon) and managed quite nicely with an FSA compact crank and a 12-27 cassette, (although next year I definitely want to have a triple and be 30 pounds lighter).
The only shortfalls of the compact crank is that you can't really "spin" up the really steep grades, and you start to spin out at around 35mph on the flats and downhills, so your top end speed is a little limited and your descents are "coasting only".
I would recommend it highly unless you want to stick with Ultegra or Dura Ace 9 speed triple.http://www.cyclingforums.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

I can tell you why he wouldn't want the carbon, its cost is out of line with its benefits. The energy only weighs about 40 grams more and is half the price.

mitchel said:

Why wouldn't you want the carbon compact crank? It's GREAT! It's very light and strong, and gives you a partial solution to Shimano's failure to offer a triple in Dura Ace 10 speed. You can go up 13% grades without getting out of the saddle.
I just did the Torture 10,000 (in Oregon) and managed quite nicely with an FSA compact crank and a 12-27 cassette, (although next year I definitely want to have a triple and be 30 pounds lighter).
The only shortfalls of the compact crank is that you can't really "spin" up the really steep grades, and you start to spin out at around 35mph on the flats and downhills, so your top end speed is a little limited and your descents are "coasting only".
I would recommend it highly unless you want to stick with Ultegra or Dura Ace 9 speed triple.cyclingforums.comicon10.gifOpen ↗

Any problem with the chain rubbing on the large chain ring when in the 34-12 or 34-13 gears?

rparker1999 said:

Any problem with the chain rubbing on the large chain ring when in the 34-12 or 34-13 gears?

Not that I've noticed. Maybe I'll listen more closely. But that wouldn't be a gear that I would ride in anyway. That's considered an "illegal gear" according to a friend of mine.

rparker1999 said:

Any problem with the chain rubbing on the large chain ring when in the 34-12 or 34-13 gears?

You shouldn't be in the 12 and probably no need for the 13 either.

boudreaux said:

You shouldn't be in the 12 and probably no need for the 13 either.

At least not while in the little chain ring.

mitchel said:

At least not while in the little chain ring.

Well that IS what his question referenced.

rparker1999 said:

Any problem with the chain rubbing on the large chain ring when in the 34-12 or 34-13 gears?

No chain rub at all.