Compact Cranks

mgoony said:

Hello,

I am back into cycling from a 4 year layoff (kids)

What is the deal on these compact cranks? Why? Whats the benefit? I currently ride a 53/39 with a 12/23 rear. I did the math, is it true you only move down 1 gear with the compact?

Mike G

If you need somewhat lower gears,you can use a 33 or 34 small ring to get them without going to a triple,or resorting to something like a 13x29 casette with wider jumps between gears. With the 50 big ring you will loose a bit of top speed.
Compact cranks are not the perfect answer for everyone,but just an option that some can benefit from if they need it.

mgoony said:

Hello,

I am back into cycling from a 4 year layoff (kids)

What is the deal on these compact cranks? Why? Whats the benefit? I currently ride a 53/39 with a 12/23 rear. I did the math, is it true you only move down 1 gear with the compact?

Mike G

They are great if you climb alot and are just needing a little more gearing than your double already provides. Also a lower cost alternative than converting to a triple. A possible advantage on the flats might be that you could run a closer ratio cassette (12-21) giving you a very tight ratio while not giving away all your climbing gears due to the smaller chainrings on the front. Of course you would be giving up a little top end. You probably wouldn't notice it though unless you frequently ride over 40 mph.