compact crank

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2009-07-09 5:53 PM

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Gilbert, Arizona
Subject: compact crank

What is a compact crank and how does it help or hinder as compared to a standard crank?

2009-07-09 7:59 PM
in reply to: #2274458

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Master
1222
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Lafayette, IN
Subject: RE: compact crank
A standard crank usually has a 53 tooth large ring and a 39 tooth small ring.  Most likely this is a hold over from road racing pros who use this set up.

A compact crank usually has a large ring of 50 +/- and a small ring of 34 +/-.  I live in Indiana where hills are few and far between, but I still run a compact.  I picked up one more gear and the little extra easier gearing when I do find a hill is nice.  I can go over 30mph and not "spin out" of my 53/25.  I can also ride most of the time in my big ring, so it minimizes shifts of the front deraileur. Hope this helps.

2009-07-09 9:28 PM
in reply to: #2274746

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Resident Curmudgeon
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The Road Back
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Subject: RE: compact crank
Gregkl - 2009-07-09 7:59 PM A standard crank usually has a 53 tooth large ring and a 39 tooth small ring.  Most likely this is a hold over from road racing pros who use this set up.

A compact crank usually has a large ring of 50 +/- and a small ring of 34 +/-.  I live in Indiana where hills are few and far between, but I still run a compact.  I picked up one more gear and the little extra easier gearing when I do find a hill is nice.  I can go over 30mph and not "spin out" of my 53/25.  I can also ride most of the time in my big ring, so it minimizes shifts of the front deraileur. Hope this helps.


Shouldn't this be "not spin out my 50-12" or whatever your small cog is?
2009-07-10 7:24 PM
in reply to: #2274989

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Master
1222
1000100100
Lafayette, IN
Subject: RE: compact crank
the bear - 2009-07-09 9:28 PM
Gregkl - 2009-07-09 7:59 PM A standard crank usually has a 53 tooth large ring and a 39 tooth small ring.  Most likely this is a hold over from road racing pros who use this set up.

A compact crank usually has a large ring of 50 +/- and a small ring of 34 +/-.  I live in Indiana where hills are few and far between, but I still run a compact.  I picked up one more gear and the little extra easier gearing when I do find a hill is nice.  I can go over 30mph and not "spin out" of my 53/25.  I can also ride most of the time in my big ring, so it minimizes shifts of the front deraileur. Hope this helps.


Shouldn't this be "not spin out my 50-12" or whatever your small cog is?

Oops!  My bad! Thanks for catching this bear!  You are right!
2009-07-10 8:25 PM
in reply to: #2274458

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Subject: RE: compact crank
I like the compact crank (50-34t) for climbing.  I'm able to pedal at a higher cadence on steeper climbs. 
2009-07-12 1:34 PM
in reply to: #2274458

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Gilbert, Arizona
Subject: RE: compact crank
Thanks for the replies.  I am trying to learn all the bicycle lingo, so I can understand conversations with other cyclists that have way more experience than I.

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