"Okay, ""People of knowledge way beyond my ability"".
I have a Full Ultegra Double, with Octalink BB and 12-25.
I am planning to swap out my standard double for a
Compact double crank as it appears my BB may soon need to be replaced and the larger hills are calling me.
I was leaning toward Ritchey, but have been told they are a bit flexy for my muscular 205 lb frame at 5-11.
I was looking at FSA, but now am told that they stopped making the Octa link compatable cranks and would need to buy a I.S.I.S. BB.
So the questions are:
A) FSA vs Ritchey, better of the two? other choices?
B) Experience with I.S.I.S BB?
I love the feel of the Ultegra and want to duplicate it with a new compact crank.
So what choices are there?
Thanks Rob
"
FSA vs Ritchey vs ??? I need Compact Crank help
Tue, 09/06/2005 - 8:38pm
Tue, 09/06/2005 - 8:59pm
#1
Wait. I was told Shimano is coming out with a compact crank in the fall.
Tue, 09/06/2005 - 9:13pm
#2
I also heard that, but it sounded more like Early 2006.
I read about a part number to it but no pricing or
quality level of the crank, ie Dura Ace etc.
Wed, 09/07/2005 - 4:31am
#3
A review
"They're all probably stiff enough us...
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/reviews/crank.shtml
"
Wed, 09/07/2005 - 1:33pm
#4
Saw this on rec.bicycle.tech
I saw the prototype compact crankset, which Shimano is planning to
release in early January of 2006.
It looks similar to the Dura Ace crankset with the outter bearings.
The chainrings even mirrored the Dura Ace chainrings. In fact, you
could call it a baby versin of the Dura Ace crankset. The chainrings
made it look very chunky.
The representative said it would retail around $290.00.
Wed, 09/07/2005 - 2:31pm
#5
well, that makes sense. Now where is my 20% off Performance coupon???
Rob
Wed, 09/07/2005 - 5:22am
#6
The Ritchey WCS and Pro model compact cranks are very nice.
Whoever said you can flex a crank is talking out their rump. You'll rotate and deflect the bottom bracket before you flex a crankarm. Pure nonsense.
ISIS bottom brackets are crap. Teeeny leeetle bearings that wear out.
The new Shimano compact crank is due in January, and uses an integrated bottom bracket. It is not part of a model series, but the part number indicates it is of Ultegra quality.
If you have to change the bottom bracket anyway, why not the new Campagnolo Centaur alloy compact. Cheap, at $149, and uses the tried and true square taper bottom bracket interface.
Cheers,
- Christian
Wed, 09/07/2005 - 6:13am
#7
hmmm, Will the Campy give me the smooth feel of the Ultegra?
If I use the Campy, would I need to change the Front derailer?
I also understood for smooth use Campy should stay with campy, but what do I know.
Rob
Wed, 09/07/2005 - 6:59am
#8
In order to retain good shifting with STI, you will need to retain your Shimano front derailleur. Setting up a standard front derailleur to work with a compact crank is a little trickier than with a regular crank, but it's not impossible by any means. You won't be able to use a Campagnolo derailleur with STI, for sure.
I assume that with the release of the new Shimano compact crank, they'll also produce a compact-specific front derailleur, which I would get. But the regular one should work fine for the time being.
Cheers,
- Christian
Wed, 09/07/2005 - 9:23am
#9
STI w/ Campy
It doesn't matter what front derailleur you use or crankset - Shimano or Campy. You can mix and match. It's the rear derailleur, rear shifter, and wheel that matters. These have to be compatible. I would also recommend a compact front derailleur - IRD, Campy, FSA, etc.. It will handle the larger jumps between chainring sizes and shift smoothly, especially if you are using 50/34 rings.
