Switching from Compact to Standard
Discussion
I'm currently running a 50/34 compact up front and a 11-28 on the rear (Ultegra 6800)and want to change to a standard 53/39. Most of the races here are pretty much flat with the odd drag or short sharp climb, and top guy in my club was saying it would be beneficial to change to a standard especially for racing.
What I really want to know is, is it pretty much a straight swap from one to the other or is there some adjustments to be made?
Cheers!
What I really want to know is, is it pretty much a straight swap from one to the other or is there some adjustments to be made?
Cheers!
Daveyraveygravey said:
Have you thought about a mid (or pro, whatever they are calling it this week!) compact of 52-36? I am on a 53-39 currently but the new bike will be 52-36. I don't race but have always preferred standard to compact. I think/hope the mid compact with an 11-28 will give me a perfect range.
When I first got the bike it has a 12-25 9 speed cassette, which was lovely and the jumps from one cassette to the next were nice and close. I did notice that on long climbs, although I could get up anything in the se, anyone on a compact would sit and spin and gradually open a gap on me as I pounded on the pedals out of the saddle. I have since changed to 12-27 (noticeable improvement on the climbs) and the latest is 12-29 but 10 speed. I am starting to see gaps in the cassette at certain places but can live with it for option of staying seated longer in the climbs.
The 52-36 might be a good option actually. Best of both worlds, with the exception races most of my club runs involve plenty of climbing. When I first got the bike it has a 12-25 9 speed cassette, which was lovely and the jumps from one cassette to the next were nice and close. I did notice that on long climbs, although I could get up anything in the se, anyone on a compact would sit and spin and gradually open a gap on me as I pounded on the pedals out of the saddle. I have since changed to 12-27 (noticeable improvement on the climbs) and the latest is 12-29 but 10 speed. I am starting to see gaps in the cassette at certain places but can live with it for option of staying seated longer in the climbs.
Just to update the opening post,
Made the swtich to 53x39 and I'm really liking it. Climbing may have taken a bit of a hit but not much slower and I find myself switching between the big & small ring more often, where as before I would climb near everything in the big ring on the compact. However on the flats & downhill I feel a bit faster (new best average speed over my 45mile training route on Sunday) and more in control of my cadence. Strangely I'm also finding it easier to control my heart rate as well.
One of the main reasons I made the change was during my club race I felt like I was spinning out and no gears left to sprint
Made the swtich to 53x39 and I'm really liking it. Climbing may have taken a bit of a hit but not much slower and I find myself switching between the big & small ring more often, where as before I would climb near everything in the big ring on the compact. However on the flats & downhill I feel a bit faster (new best average speed over my 45mile training route on Sunday) and more in control of my cadence. Strangely I'm also finding it easier to control my heart rate as well.
One of the main reasons I made the change was during my club race I felt like I was spinning out and no gears left to sprint
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