Compact Crankset

Shimano 105 5700 Compact 50/34 Crankset

admin — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:16:09 +0000

105 has always been a good choice for the cyclist looking for affordability, durability and reliable shifting. In recent years however, SRAM has improved Rival, introduced Apex and Shimano has updated Ultegra and Dura Ace. The 105 compact crankset has lagged behind in terms of functional and aesthetic upgrades. The 2011 5700 crankset puts 105 back in the game, ready to compete head to head with SRAM.

The 105 5700 crank borrows some if it’s looks from DA and Ultegra and is available in black and silver. It’s nice to have the choice of an all black crankset if you want to match it to your older 105 components. Smooth, accurate shifts are a Shimano hallmark and the 5700 crankset retains these qualities. Upgrading to Ultegra or Dura Ace will get you a hollow outer ring. 105 goes with a solid alloy chainring for simplicity and cost savings. Only the most discerning riders and weight weenies will notice this difference.

Shimano 105 FC 5750 Crankset Compact1725mm SILVER
US $163.95

NEW Shimano 105 FC 5700 10 Spd HollowTech II Compact Double Crankset BB 50 34T
US $183.00

Shimano 105 9 or 10 spd 1725 34 50 compact cranks crankset NEW NR FC 5750
US $52.00

Shimano 105 10 Speed Compact Crankset FC 5750 Silver 1725mm X 50 X 34
US $41.00

As with past incarnations of the 105 compact crankset, 5700 uses hollow crank arms and a hollow spindle to keep weight down. Another trickle-down feature from DA is the addition of a tad more space between the rings. This small adjustment allows riders to cross chain from small front ring to small back cog without getting any chain rub on the big ring.

Many entry to mid-level 2011 road bikes have come equipped with the 105 5700 compact crank. Any rider with a need for value and race-ready performance will be very happy with Shimano’s new 105 crankset.

New 2011 Shimano 5700 Compact Crankset

admin — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:15:11 +0000

105, the classic workhorse of the Shimano lineup, has been updated for 2011. The new 5700 compact crankset benefits from technologies originally introduced in Dura Ace 7900 and Ultegra 6700. It borrows heavily from the aesthetics of DA and Ultegra but is available in black or silver.

Once piece of tech that has not trickled-down is the outer chainring. Ultegra and Dura Ace get a hollow outer ring to save weight but the 105 big ring is solid. Special profiling on the back of the outer ring allow the chain to glide up smoother and faster than previous versions of 105. Chainring teeth have been re-engineered to integrate with the new 105 5700 chain. The 5700 chain, like Ultegra and DA, is asymmetric. This integration of chain and rings, allows for smoother, more efficient shifts. It is, however, important that you install the chain correctly. You lose those benefits with a reverse installation.

New 2011 Shimano 105 FC 5700 Crank Set Specify Size
US $174.00

NEW Shimano 105 FC 5700 10 Spd HollowTech II Compact Double Crankset BB 50 34T
US $183.00

NEW 2012 Shimano 105 Hollowtech Crankset Bottom Bracket BB5700 68mm ENGLISH
US $23.95

Shimano 105 FC 5700 Road Bicycle Crankset 53 39 x 1725
US $149.99

The Shimano 105 group has always been a great value for cyclists who want pro-level performance and durability, but don’t need the lightest components available. The new 105 5700 crankset will be especially compelling to those who love the look and features of Ultegra 6700, but are on a more limited budget.

Campagnolo Super Record UT Compact Crankset – 50/34

admin — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 18:12:20 +0000

Super Record is of course, Campagnolo's top end gruppo. As you may have guessed, this means that all the stops have been pulled out to create the 11 speed Super Record Ultra-Torque compact crank. This is a component for those that appreciate the highest of the high end.

At 585 grams, this crank is ridiculously light. It's also ridiculously expensive and will set you back around $900. That kind of money gets you things like a titanium spindle that maintains the strength of a steel spindle, but is 25% lighter. Unidirectional, hollow carbon crank arms ensure maximum power transfer and the chainrings have been engineered with what Campagnolo calls the eXtreme Shifting Performance System. The XPSS system is characterized by 8 pins on the big chainring to lift the chain quicker and smoother.

Campagnolo 2012 Record 11 Compact Crank Set 175 mm 34 50 Crankset New Chainset
US $549.00

Campagnolo 2012 Record 11 Compact Crank Set 1725 mm 34 50 Crankset New Chainset
US $549.00

Campagnolo Record 11 Speed Carbon Crankset Compact 50x34 1725mm 2010
US $419.99

Campagnolo 2012 Super Record 11 Titanium Compact Crankset 1725 mm 34 50 NEW Ti
US $749.00

No high-end crankset would be complete without the inclusion of ceramic bearings. Campy loves acronyms when it comes to labeling technology, and the ceramic Super Record bearings are called CULT (Ceramic Ultimate Level Technology). All this means is that these bearings are harder and rounder that most. The harder and more round a bearing is, the more durable and efficient it is.

No one can describe the Campagnolo Super Record compact crankset as a value, but Campy enthusiasts who need to have the latest and greatest in lightweight bike component tech, will most definitely gravitate toward it. Super Record 11 is available with 50/34 or 53/39 rings and riders have the choice of 170, 172.5, and 175mm crank-arm lengths.

Check out the Campagnolo site for more information on the XPSS system and CULT Technology.

Campagnolo Veloce Power Torque Compact Crankset

admin — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:53:34 +0000

The 2010 Campagnolo Veloce 10 speed compact crankset comes in below the Centaur group and is only available in aluminum construction. With Centaur, you get the option of a full carbon spider and crank arms or alloy.

Veloce is roughly equivalent to Shimano 105. It’s a tad more expensive, but Campy fans will insist that it is more refined. No matter what your preference, the marketing demographic of both groups are the same, performance oriented riders without the cash for higher end race parts.

CAMPAGNOLO VELOCE ULTRA TORQUE CRANKSET 39 53 TOOTH 170 1725 175 NEW ROAD BIKE
US $99.99

2011 CAMPAGNOLO VELOCE 10 Speed Crankset 39 x 53 1725mm Black Crank CAMPY NEW
US $31.00

Campagnolo Veloce crankset 53 39 1725
US $15.50

Campagnolo Veloce Cranks Crankset with 39 53 Chain Rings Chainrings 175 175mm
US $10.50

The Veloce compact crankset utilizes Campy's Power Torque System. Power Torque is simply an evolution of the Ultra Torque engineering features found in Campagnolo's higher level component groups. Power Torque is another marketing term for mechanical design changes that result in improved stiffness and efficiency. Veloce also uses Micro Precision Shifting teeth on the chainrings. As with most of these technologies, best results are realized when the crankset is paired with a Campy 10 speed chain and Campy Power Torque bottom bracket and axle.

Campagnolo Veloce is not all that easy to find in the United States and will cost more than Shimano 105 or SRAM Rival. However, if you're on a budget and you simply must have an Italian gruppo for your Italian bike, then Veloce is a fine choice.

Ritchey WCS Compact 50/34 Road Crankset

admin — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:42:24 +0000

The Ritchey WCS 50/34 compact is a reasonably priced, cold-forged aluminum crankset that’s compatible with Octalink bottom brackets. A silver finish with subtle Ritchey graphics make for an attractive, if somewhat bland looking, design. Weight is average and users report average stiffness.

The Ritchey WCS compact crankset is no longer available from Ritchey, probably due to a voluntary recall. However, you can still find this crankset for sale online, so beware of the risks if you decide to purchase. There have been several reports of complete crank-arm breaks on the non-drive side crank arm. Ritchey offers more recall details on their site. This is a very serious and dangerous issue if it were to happen while riding at speed or sprinting aggressively.

NOS Ritchey Road Logic Double Crankset with NOS Ritchey Bottom Bracket
US $199.00

NOS Ritchey Logic Road Bike Crankset 175mm 53 38
US $185.00

RITCHEY WCS Compact Crankset 175mm 50 34 Octalink 110 BCD Road or Cyclocross
US $84.99

RITCHEY WCS CRANKSET 34 50 1725MM W SHIMANO CHAINRINGS 5500 105 OCTALINK BB
US $49.00

You can probably get a screaming deal on one of these and it might be an ok choice for a beater bike, but if you’re looking for an affordable, reliable compact crankset, I’d suggest SRAM Rival or one of the Shimano non-series cranksets like the R600, R700.

Zipp VumaQuad 50/34 Compact Crankset

admin — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:59:24 +0000

The Zipp VumaQuad compact crankset is a very high end component that’s available with Zipp’s own ceramic cup and bearing BB. Opt to use the spacer kit and this crankset will work with most BB30 setups.

This crankset is very light and stiff. Zipp claims an 11 percent increase in rigidity over Dura Ace 7800. That’s a very bold claim when one considers the fact that VumaQuad is almost 200 grams lighter than DA or Campy Record. One of the ways Zipp has achieved this weight savings is with an unorthodox 4-bold chainring system. This setup makes for a very unique and clean looking design, however, it could be challenging to find replacement parts if you need them in the future. The other advantage to the 4-bolt design is the ability to switch between compact 50/34 chainrings and standard 53/39 rings. This makes the VumaQuad a very versatile choice when compared to other cranks in this price range.

Zipp Speed Weaponry Carbon Crankset 53 39t Road Bike 1725mm 9 10 speed
US $299.00

ZIPP VumaChrono Crankset 1775mm 39 53 no BB
US $1,018.42

ZIPP VUMACHRONO NEW CRANKSET CRANK ARMS 175 1775 180 ROAD BIKE
US $744.99

Zipp Vuma Quad Crankset Ceramic BB
US $450.00

Zipp says the chainrings feature a special design which allows for accurate shifts and no flex under power. The VumaQuad is available in four crank-arm lengths and two bottom bracket options. The premium, ceramic bearing and cup option will set you back and extra $200 versus the base model BB.

This crankset is expensive at $1200. However, it offers an amazing light weight and superior stiffness that will appeal to riders looking to maximize mechanical advantages. For a more in-depth review, check out this article from Cycling News.

FSA Energy MegaExo 50/34 Compact Crankset

admin — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:25:49 +0000

The FSA Energy MegaExo compact crankset is a mid-level crankset that’s priced on par with Shimano 105 or SRAM Rival. The Energy crank features hollow forged aluminum cranks arms for reduced weight, CNC machined chainrings and is designed to work with the FSA MegaExo external bearing bottom bracket system. This new version of the crankset is tuned to function best with 10 speed drivetrains.

The look of the FSA Energy crankset is fairly generic, but not unappealing. A black anodized finish is paired with white and red FSA graphics and some silver detailing. Stiffness is similar to other alloy cranksets in this price range and the overall weight with BB comes in at a very respectable 780 grams. That’s not super-light, but very good for a non-carbon crankset.

Many riders like the MegaExo bottom bracket for it’s easy installation and oversized cartridge bearings. However, some riders have complained about overall durability. Torque requirements printed on the crankset are a nice feature and a good reminder not to over or under tighten.

FSA Full Speed Ahead Energy Compact Front Derailleur 286 320mm Clamp
US $42.99

FSA Energy Compact 10s Braze on Front Derailleur Black FD RO B808
US $59.39

FSA ENERGY COMPACT 34 50 1725 DOUBLE
US $255.56

FSA ENERGY COMPACT 110BCD 50 34 175MM CRANK SET W BB
US $129.90

Those who struggle in the hills with a standard 53/39 setup will appreciate the mountain-taming qualities of 50/34 chainrings. You should be able to find this compact crank for around $200 online and it comes in 170, 172.5 or 175mm crank-arm lengths. For additional reviews and information about the FSA Energy MegaExo compact crankset, check out RoadBikeReview.com.

FSA Gossamer Crankset Recall

admin — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:57:19 +0000

Some FSA Gossamer BB30 double cranksets sold on new bikes in 2010 are being recalled due to an issue with the fixing bold on the non-drive crank-arm. There is a possibility of the crank-arm cracking or breaking off completely if the bolt is tightened too much. FSA is asking owners of these BB30 Gossamer cranksets to stop riding and immediately take it into the shop for a replacement crankset. Here is a full list of the bike models affected with this issue.

Pro-Lite Sassari 50/34 Compact Road Bike Crankset

admin — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 21:22:56 +0000

Pro-Lite is a company that has been producing carbon road bike frames, wheels and other bike parts for a few years now. The parts are well made and come with a price tag that’s generally lower than other top tier competitors. You should be able to find the Sassari online for around $275 with bottom bracket. This is a fairly good value considering the overall weight of 983 grams. While it certainly doesn’t match the weight of Ultegra or Force, the sticker price is much friendlier.

The Pro-Lite Sassari Compact Crankset is a mid range piece of equipment manufactured from 7075 series aluminum. The glossy black finish and curved bevels of the crank arms make for an eye pleasing design and the white Pro-Lite graphics are eye-catching without being obnoxious. The Sassari comes with an outer bearing bottom bracket set that Pro-Lite says is aligned with laser technology to the crank.

Pro Lite Sassari Compact Road Bike Crankset 50 34T 175 mm New
US $219.99

CNC machined 50/34 rings make climbing easy while providing enough gear to crush it on the flats when you want to. The Sassari is available in 172.5 and 175mm crank-arm lengths. For more information on Pro-Lite products, check out Pro-Lite.net.

SRAM Red LTE Edition Compact Crankset

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 22:09:32 +0000

Occasionally component makers will update products for special occasions. 2010 saw SRAM update it’s top of the line Red group with yellow and black graphics for the Tour De France. The only thing different about the SRAM Red LTE Edition Compact Crank is the look. It features the same ultra-stiff, light-weight carbon spider that has made this crankset a mainstay of the pro peloton.

SRAM Red LTE BB30 Crankset 170mm 53 39 BLACK YELLOW
US $458.99

SRAM Red LTE BB30 Crankset 1725mm 53 39 BLACK YELLOW
US $458.99

Past special editions have been limited to very small runs. This year’s Red LTE components will be widely available to the public though September 2010. Due to the fact that the new color scheme bumps the price up around 10% more than standard SRAM Red, you’ll probably be able to find this compact crankset online well into 2011.