Swapping standard and compact cranks

So I was thinking about doing some hilly centuries next year (Breathless Agony etc..) and wanted to swap my 53/39 crankset out for a 50/34 compact of the exact same (ridiculously overpriced Italian) type.

A couple of questions:
1: Is it worth it? Or should I just deal with the standard cranks? (I'm well into Clydesdale territory and expect I'll still be around 230 by the time of the centuries).

2: Is there anything to it apart from swapping the cranks and moving the front derailleur down? Will I need to take links out of the chain or adjust the limit screws on the FD?

Thanks.

 

Q1) Yes it is worth it IMO.

Q2) It has been a while since I did the switch and it was on my previous bike. I think it will just depend on your set up. Others may know more definitively. And yes you may or may not need to remove a few lengths of chain.

I am running a compact crank and a 12/27 cassette. This was enough gearing for me at the Death Ride. Sure I wanted a more gears a few times but standing up took care of the problem. I will be using this same gearing for next year's PU KOM series.

 

34-27 = Snuggie cozy.

 

Don't hate

 

Yep, I think I could have done with a compact crank this weekend, of course I could have done with losing 50 lbs as well #-o....

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/11335318

 

1. Is there stuff you can't climb with your current setup? If so, then it might be a good idea. Otherwise I doubt you need it. From what I've seen, SoCal doesn't have the REALLY steep climbing you can find on the east coast, though the climbs do tend to be longer often.

2. If you just move the derailleur down it'll work ok, but the chain will be a couple links longer than ideal. You'd be better off loosing a couple chain links while you're at it.

 

There were a couple of hills yesterday where I was very borderline, I cramped up something fierce on the first one and had to get off and push

I have spare chains along with the ridiculous chain tool, so I can always set one up to the correct length and then swap those and the cranks out if need be.

Honestly, given how hard the climbs were for me yesterday, I'm determined to get into shape and come back and kick it's ass next year

 

It's my opinion that you should learn to ride the standard ratios. At most, you should change your cassette (which may or may not require changing to a mid or long cage derailleur). I'm not commenting on your fitness, but I believe compact cranksets are a crutch. You're not preparing yourself to move to a standard. Also, you may find yourself spinning out on downhills and fast rides with a compact. As you continue to ride the standard, you'll become strong enough to turn it. Good luck with what you decide.

 

Maybe I'm missing something here, but HOW are compact cranksets crutch-like?

 

Compact cranks are the chit. I'll never go back to 53-39...

 

If you don't believe it to have credibility, ignore it. No problem.

 

The chain won't need adjusting unless the chain length is borderline for a gear (small-small) you are already using. The 5 tooth difference on the chainring equates to 1.25 links so call it it 1 link.

 

what is the distance for 53-12 versus a 50-11? not much of a crutch?

But while were at it why not start smoking cigs... healthy lungs are a crutch, jk

 

Do you mean to ask the difference between 53-11 and 50-11?

 

6%

 

I am curious what you consider steep? I have never been to the east coast (one day), but I can guarantee there are plenty of steep climbs in SoCal.

Seven Sisters
Highway 39 - Highway 2 Loop
GMR to Baldy
Mill Creek to Onyx Summit

 

I think it depends more on the type of riding and the terrain you typically ride. If you are someone who typically rides flatter courses then a standard may be fine. I personally do big rides in the mountains primarily, on sustained double digit grades. I can imagine doing the Death Ride (120 miles with 15,000+ feet of gain) with a standard regardless of cassette. I know some can and do this ride with a standard crank but my knees can take that abuse.

 

What you talkin bout, Willis?!?!

Seriously, my lungs aren't healthy yet...

</derail>

 

I just looked at 7 sisters, and off my rough back of the napkin calculation, looks like the steepest bits there are about 9% grade. We've got climbs here that are pushing 20%. My commute to work has a pitch of about 15%.

 

I have a hard time managing the hill back to my house on my standard crankset after a long night at the bar :lol: