Compact cranks

[mfb1001]

I'm thinking of switching a triple to a compact, never use the grannie. I'm currently running a 48.38.28. If I put the current compact crank setups that are out there on, it would be 50.34. My thoughts are to keep the 48, witch I like for the rolling roads here in SC and put a 34. Then change out my rd and put a xt, long or short cage, on. Could I get some thoughts on this. Thanks for your help. Currently riding a 02 legend.

mike

[Fixed]

why?

[Ray]

I'm thinking of switching a triple to a compact, never use the grannie. I'm currently running a 48.38.28. If I put the current compact crank setups that are out there on, it would be 50.34. My thoughts are to keep the 48, witch I like for the rolling roads here in SC and put a 34. Then change out my rd and put a xt, long or short cage, on. Could I get some thoughts on this. Thanks for your help. Currently riding a 02 legend.

Mike,

If you're running 9-speed, you can go to a long cage XT rear derailure and shift over any of the 9-speed mtb cassettes. I ride with a 48-34 in front and sometimes ride with a 12-34 in the back. For 10 speed, this won't work because the wide range cassettes aren't available in 10 speed. If you want to stick with regular road cassettes in either 9 or 10 speed (up to a 12-27), I you don't need to go with an XT derailure.

-Ray

[marle]

I would compare the gear inches of the lowest gear used in the triple setup to the proposed compact - to check if it is higher/lower/same.

http://bikecult.com/works/wheelsizes.html

[Argos]

Well, if you are not currently using your 28, then we need to consider that you would effectively be switching from a 48-38 (what you use) to a 50-34. I would say you most likely do not even need to go to a long Cage Derailleur.

What would you go up that a 34-25 or 34-27 could not take you over?

[mfb1001]

I'm currently running a 9 speed with 12-27. I was thinking moving to xt in the back just in case, but will try out the change with the compact up front first. My choices of cranks are carbon or (some sort of) composite material. The lbs thought I would be happy with the composite material, cheaper. Appreciate all your comments.

[Argos]

What composite cranks were you considering?

[mfb1001]

Can't remember the name off hand, will be heading over to the lbs at lunch. any suggestions, Argos?

[Argos]

I have, and Like the FSA's on my 'Cross Bike. I've been thinking about going to compact on one of my road bikes, but now that I've acclimated to the new terrain (Just moved to central NC from Long Island) I really have no problem in the 53/39 with a 12-25. I am sure once I travel west towards the MTNs that will change. But I thik I'd try either a 27 or taking the compacts off my cross bike before buying another set.

[mfb1001]

I lived in Winston-Salem for some years, was not riding back then, and the area is rolling. Go 45min north and you start hitting the hills, blue ridge, etc. good luck and you will love the area. Beautiful scenery.

[Argos]

I'm in Knightdale, just on the East side of Raleigh.