What benefit/drawbacks are there from a compact chainset?

Question

I'm on the verge of spending a fair bit of money on a new road bike. I know the compact chainset is smaller than traditional but how does it enhance a bike and what does it compromise?I think I'll go with a traditional as that is what my bike has at the moment ... thanks

Answer 1

just get a tricycle.

Answer 2

It's only a fine difference.  I've ridden both extensively and I'd take one or the other....no big deal.  

Essentially, with a compact crank you drop your high gear and gain one low gear.  That's it.   There is also a very small weight savings because of the smaller rings and customary smaller cassette....but it's a minimal difference.  You could gain more weight savings by getting good tires and taking a dump before you ride your bike.   :o)  

The only real disadvantage I've noticed is that when riding in a tight group, your cadence may not match the other riders because of the different gearing ratios on the compact system.  Most of the time it's not a problem, but sometimes in a wheel-on-wheel situation it's nice to be in the same gear as everyone else.  

It's not a big deal.....go with what you like and what your frame will accept.    :o)

Answer 3

It means you'll have a large range of gears, although with a lower gear ratios. Perfect for spinning up hills.

I have a compact chainset, but I think I need a bigger chainring, I have a 50 tooth and even on my smallest sprocket (11) I've run out of gears when sprinting...

Answer 4

It really depends upon your strength, terrain, and the kind of riding you do.  If you are a mere mortal, or live in somewhat hilly area, you will likely be very happy with a compact.  I recently went to a 50/34 (Ultegra; FC700) compact front with a 12/27 rear.  I have all the gear I could ever need for most applications.  If you are riding with a very fast group you can use a 11/23 and get almost as much top end as 53/12 (standard big ring with the most common small ring on the rear).  The only way I would go traditional is if you are very fast and/or ride in a flat area and never plan to ever ride in hilly areas.  Enjoy.

Answer 5

Compact cranks give you a larger range of gears for climbing so it will be easier to pedal. You will lose some of the upper range, but it is minimal. You can stay with the bigboys in the sprints too. If you don't live near a lot of hills, get the standard. If you do live near hills, or are out of shape, get the compact. I live in Los Angeles and there are plenty of mountains surrounding me, becasue that's what most roadies ride. Why? That's what the pros use.

When it comes time to change the rings, you may have a harder time finding replacements if you go compact, but not that much, because compacts are all over the place now. Compacts can also be lighter depending on which cranks you buy and how much money you spend.

If you want to change from traditional to compact, you may have to change the front deraileur, but I did it for a century ride and had no problem. If you change, wait till your gears wear out, then change.

Answer 6

I have a road bike with traditional 39/53 it found it a struggle on the steepest hills in my area. To make it easier though without having to change to a compact I upgraded the cassette from a 12/25 to a 12/27 Ultegra. This lowered the low gearing enough for my hills without costing much and still retained the same high gearing.

PS. When Roadie Snobs look at your bike they cant look down there noses at you for having a compact :-)