Compact Crank or Standard 53x39 Crank for Road Race?

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Compact Crank or Standard 53x39 Crank for Road Race?
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Standard Crank (53x39)3 Votes - [27.27%]
Compact Crank (50x36)8 Votes - [72.73%]

2011-07-08 4:12 PM

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Expert
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Subject: Compact Crank or Standard 53x39 Crank for Road Race?
I am doing a hilly road race on Sunday and I am back and forth between using a compact crank or a standard crank. I have never raced a compact nor do I usually train with one but I do have a compact for winter riding.

The race that I am doing has 2 long climbs with almost 2000 ft gain over the 20 mile loop.

I road race regularly but just not with this many hills.

2011-07-08 4:17 PM
in reply to: #3587272

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Compact Crank or Standard 53x39 Crank for Road Race?
I'd go compact, with longer climbs you'll gain more on the climbs but only lose a little on the top end on the flats
2011-07-08 4:30 PM
in reply to: #3587272

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Subject: RE: Compact Crank or Standard 53x39 Crank for Road Race?

If you have to ask the question, you should probably be riding compact.  All the time, not just during hilly races.

If you're strong enough where riding compact will actually hurt you, I'm sure your bike sponsor will set you straight.

ETA:  A lot of people can get away with riding standard just fine if they pair it with the right cassette...but if you have the option between the two (compact or standard) there are not many people that can make the case that standard is indeed the better option.



Edited by tri808 2011-07-08 4:34 PM
2011-07-08 4:43 PM
in reply to: #3587272

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Compact Crank or Standard 53x39 Crank for Road Race?

Standard for road racing. Seriously. pair that 39 with a 27 big cog, and you should be set. If you're gonna get shelled with that set up, a compact isn't going to save the day. And you'll want the top end on the descent. And the final sprint.

2011-07-08 4:45 PM
in reply to: #3587308

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Subject: RE: Compact Crank or Standard 53x39 Crank for Road Race?
Riding compact in a pack is difficult bc you will end up spinning out on 50x12.

Nice comment about the bike sponsor but at the end of the day most people, even in Cat 5 will spin out on flats in a 53x12 countering an attack. Its different than riding by yourself without a draft trying to keep your cadence at 90.
2011-07-08 4:45 PM
in reply to: #3587308

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Subject: RE: Compact Crank or Standard 53x39 Crank for Road Race?
Riding compact in a pack is difficult bc you will end up spinning out on 50x12.

Nice comment about the bike sponsor but at the end of the day most people, even in Cat 5 will spin out on flats in a 53x12 countering an attack. Its different than riding by yourself without a draft trying to keep your cadence at 90.


2011-07-08 6:12 PM
in reply to: #3587325

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Subject: RE: Compact Crank or Standard 53x39 Crank for Road Race?

MForger18 - 2011-07-08 11:45 AM Riding compact in a pack is difficult bc you will end up spinning out on 50x12. Nice comment about the bike sponsor but at the end of the day most people, even in Cat 5 will spin out on flats in a 53x12 countering an attack. Its different than riding by yourself without a draft trying to keep your cadence at 90.

Then you should go compact with an 11-25 or 11-23 cassette.  50x11 is a BIGGER gear than 53x12. 

 

 

2011-07-08 6:17 PM
in reply to: #3587323

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Subject: RE: Compact Crank or Standard 53x39 Crank for Road Race?
briderdt - 2011-07-08 11:43 AM

Standard for road racing. Seriously. pair that 39 with a 27 big cog, and you should be set. If you're gonna get shelled with that set up, a compact isn't going to save the day. And you'll want the top end on the descent. And the final sprint.

Compact with an 11-25 gives you a wider range both top end and low end than standard 12-27.  You could always pair a standard with 11-28 to get closer to a compact 11-25 as far as range...but your gear spacing will be pretty wide...and you lose the sweet spots where 90% of your riding will be.

If you're a sprinter...and you honestly need to go 42+ mph at the finishing flat...by all means...go with standard.

2011-07-08 7:32 PM
in reply to: #3587272

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Not a Coach
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Subject: RE: Compact Crank or Standard 53x39 Crank for Road Race?
I don't think there's a single answer for this.  It likely depends on how you ride and your strengths/weaknesses, especially compared to the other riders.  Good luck!
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