Expert: Dave - 8/4/2008

Question
What is your advice in switching from a typical (39-53) double crank on a road bike to a compact double crank (say, 34-50).  I currently use an Ultegra braze-on front derailleur and down-tube index shifters.

My current chain rings are quite worn, and I believe are the cause of troublesome front shifting.  I also want the easier gears for hill climbing and my rear cassette is maxed out in gear size for the range of my rear derailleur.  The compact cranks seems like a way to replace my front chain rings and gain more advantageous gearing.

Is there a good compact crank on the market that is compatible with my square-taper (110mm)  spindle cartridge bottom bracket?  I want to keep with the square taper if possible, since I already have to tools to work with this.

My whole drive train is Shimano, except for an SRAM 8-speed chain.  Will I have chain or derailleur or shifter compatibility problems with I go with another manufacture, such as Ritchey or Nashbar?  I can get a new Campagnolo Centaur (50-34) compact crank on sale for about $80, but will this be fully compatible, except the need to have a compatable bottom bracket.

Will I need a front derailleur specially designed for the smaller chain rings?

Thanks much for your help with my repair/upgrade question.


Answer
Hello Bruce. There are tons of good cranks out there. All you have to really decide is on price, weight, ratio, and feel. I'm a personal fan of the Sram items. Square taper is a pretty common spindle so you should have no problem finding a great compatible crank set.

As far as crossing Campy cranks with Shimano derailleurs (or the vice versa), there is an argument. Some people think you can, some think you cannot. I have seen people run them switched and I have yet to hear a complaint. Although, you may get beat up for switching lines like that.(As my mechanic said, "Its like putting a penis on your girlfriend.")I digress.

You absolutely cannot cross shifters and derailleurs. It will mess up your shifting. The only adjustment to the front derailleur you will have to do is lower it over the large chain ring back to about 1-3mm.

I hope you found this all useful and I have helped you with all of your questions. If I missed anything or you still have questions, please feel free to ask. I will be sure to help you as much as I can.
-Dave