Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.


Standard vs. Compact cranks
#1
Is it possible to have a set up where a standard crank (53x39) and a compact crank (50x34) are interchangeable? I want to use the standard crank for normal rides, then switch to a compact crank for hilly rides. Can I just switch out the cranks or do I have to switch out the whole drivetrain (crank, chain, freewheel, etc.)?

The crankset I have right now is a RaceFace Cadence. Does RaceFace make a compact crankset that uses the same bottom bracket as the standard?
  Reply
#2
I haven't tried this, and I am not familiar with the RaceFace cranks. Changing cranks with an FSA MegaExo BB is very quick and easy. Of course you will need to have the very smallest possible clearance between your 53t ring and the cage of your FD--then hope for the best when the 50t ring is in place. I suspect you will either have to find some very thin spindle shims to space the second crankset to match the first, or you will need to reset your derailleur limits and cable tension. Make sure that both cranksets support the chain that you are using.
...j
  Reply
#3
Also make sure that the capacity of the rear derailleur matches the setup with the compact crank.
  Reply
#4
Oh, well, I just thought about my comment: 2 teeth difference should not make such a huge difference... sorry.
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
SpeedBikeNut32
12,384
01-21-2015, 04:24 PM
Last Post: DaveM

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Pogačar's 2024 dominance
Today 04:20 PM
Giant reporting profits are 60% down
Today 10:50 AM
Thoughts on tariff effects on the cyclin...
Today 10:30 AM
braking by reversing the pedals
Today 09:00 AM
Post-Ride Nutrition
04-03-2025 02:06 AM
🚴‍♂️ Saddle Up for the Belgian Waffle Ri...
04-03-2025 02:03 AM
Pre Ride Food Intake
04-03-2025 12:14 AM
SAVA Explorer 6061?
04-02-2025 03:31 PM
Zwift v Spin v Wahoo
04-01-2025 05:59 PM
Have you Ever Tried an Electric Bike?
04-01-2025 05:07 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. GirishH
22 posts
no avatar 2. Flowrider
18 posts
no avatar 3. Jake1
14 posts
no avatar 4. meamoantonio
12 posts
no avatar 5. SPINMAN
9 posts