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Compact crank

twilkenstwilkens
in General Training Discussions

I want to upgrade from my current compact crank on my tri bike to a little nicer one.  Maybe in the 3-4hundred dollar range.  Anyone like the FSA K force lite with the ceramic bb.  Or the sram red compact or is there another one in that range that would be a good choice?  Any comments would be appreciated.

Comments

  • Spokane_AlSpokane_Al
    My experience is pretty limited but for me, I find I have less or no drive train problems when I stay consistent by brand throughout all the components including the chain, i.e. all Shimano etc.

    When I mix the brands the anal side of me has trouble with the less than perfect shifting, minor bit of clicking etc.

    But then again I probably spend an excess amount of time adjusting and fine tuning my bike.
  • JenniferLastfogelJenniferLastfogel

    I usually go to roadbikereview.com before I buy components. Here is the link for the crankset reviews :  http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/drivetrain/cranksets/PLS_2491_700crx.aspx . I just got a new shimano ultegra compact crank and a new bottom bracket.  Checkout performance bike too they have some good deals sometimes and you can return just about anything- no questions asked image which is great when you are paying a lot for something! oh and the sram red compact crank is on sale for $300 there.

  • manconamancona
    I don't know much about FSA cranks, I had an SLK a few years ago and it was ok. The best crank I have used was a Shimano DA-7800 but it was a standard and I swithced to compact a year ago.

    I'm currently running SRAM components and a SRAM S900 Compact with a Quarq that I really like. I have a standard BB on now but my new bike is coming with a ceramic, I doubt I will notice a difference thougth.

    For some reason I like to have matching components as much as possible ... If you have SRAM, I would go with the Red Compact. Shimano, go with the DA Compact. Both are very nice and in that price range.

    Otherwise if you really want some bling, I would look for a used Zipp VumaQuad in good shape. I believe I have seem them on Slowtwtich for around your price range. It is one of the lightest cranks you can get, stiffest, and takes either standard or compact rings. Of course it is much more expensive.

  • DocHoffartDocHoffart

    Todd...what length crankset are you looking for?  I have an FSA Kforce light 175 cm compact with ceramic BB that is collecting dust. It's too long for me on the TT bike and now that I ride with a Quarq...Not something I need.

    email me at: drhoffart@gmail.com

    Vince

  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    My choices were limited when I swapped out the crank on my new Felt mainly because I wanted 165 crankarms. It was either fork out extra $$ for the Shimano DA 7900 or wait for the backordered SRAM. Long story short- I was tired of waiting for the bike and forked out the extra $$. First time I took it to a Time Trial the look on my fellow teammate's faces as they drooooooled over the bike was totally worth it :-)

    My old TT bike had a Ritchy Compact (IIRC that was my only option because of a bottom bracket issue or something like that). Anyway- gotta say- the DA feels much nicer- but that is probably all be in my head!
  • twilkenstwilkens
    Thanks everyone for info.
    Vince, I wish I could use that. It is to long for me also. Thanks.
    Al, my bike came mixed up already. It had fsa crank and DA derailuers. Seems to work ok together.
    Matt I would love to get the Vumaquad but not likely to get a good enough deal.
  • Dave TalloDave Tallo

    I'm considering the same purchase, and have it narrowed down to a DA compact with a Chris King BB.   This combo might be worth a look. 

  • TracyWoodTracyWood

     I am beginning to shop for a compact. Right now have shimano  ultegra components. If I get the Shimano DA compact, do I need a new BB?

  • david waredavid ware

    Just saw a great price on the Shimano at http://www.competitivecyclist.com/.

  • Chris GChris G
    Tracy - the answer is "it depends". If you have a newer ultegra crankset the answer is no but then as the BB cups are pretty inexpensive it makes sense to get new ones if you are making that kind of upgrade. While on the subject, a fancier crankset is something that is not going to make you faster but might make your bike look cooler which is not really a bad thing...
  • TracyWoodTracyWood

     Thanks Chris.

    Now I am thinking of going with Quarq for my PM. I would then have to get new cranks. So may go with Lightening which from what  I understand includes the BB.. I am doing some reading to understand all this bike mechanic stuff. May have more questions coming

  • Cary BlancoCary Blanco

    Link for that 2009 Shimano Ultegra 50/34 at competitivecyclist.com: here - $99

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