5700 vs 6700

[xia_ke]

I'm currently running my bike's stock set-up of a 5700 compact crankset and a 4600 12-30 cassette with the rest of my drivetrain being 5700. I've reached the point where on the flats I can comfortably pedal in top gear and am spinning out on descents, so I'm looking to upgrade my drivetrain/gearing. In shopping around I'm finding some great deals on 5700 components given that 5800 just came out. However, I'm also seeing that for just a hair more I could get 6700. I'm looking to get a 53/39 crankset and 11-28 cassette. I'm on a tight budget, but am wondering would it be worthwhile to spend the few $$$ more to get 6700? Would 6700 provide a worthwhile increase in rigidity, weight savings, or durability over 5700? Thanks in advance for any guidance :)

[Admiral Ackbar]

fwiw I'm perfectly happy with my 5700 crank, much like you i was considering the 6700 since the price difference was minimal but i didn't really think the 60g drop in weight and (imo) uglier design was worth the extra 60 bucks. I'm sure someone will harp on the quality difference but I've no experience with that era ultegra so i can't comment on that.

where in southern maine are you? tons of nice riding around there.

[oldpotatoe]

I'm currently running my bike's stock set-up of a 5700 compact crankset and a 4600 12-30 cassette with the rest of my drivetrain being 5700. I've reached the point where on the flats I can comfortably pedal in top gear and am spinning out on descents, so I'm looking to upgrade my drivetrain/gearing. In shopping around I'm finding some great deals on 5700 components given that 5800 just came out. However, I'm also seeing that for just a hair more I could get 6700. I'm looking to get a 53/39 crankset and 11-28 cassette. I'm on a tight budget, but am wondering would it be worthwhile to spend the few $$$ more to get 6700? Would 6700 provide a worthwhile increase in rigidity, weight savings, or durability over 5700? Thanks in advance for any guidance :)

I would do the 11-28 first, a 50/11 is a higher gear than 53/12.....and get a 5700 cogset(least expensive compatible cogset and chain), maybe a 36t small ring.

And no, 6700 isn't any of those things you mentioned...rigidity, weight, durability.

[xia_ke]

Thanks AA and OP. I'll stick with the 5700 then and put the savings into more tools :)

AA, I live about a mile off of the Eastern Trail (http://www.easterntrail.org/) in Wells. Definitely some great riding around here. It takes two seconds to get either to the beaches or some great country roads.