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Compact Vs. Standard Cranksets: Which is really best?

Which is best: A compact crankset or a standard crankset? Or is it the new semi-compact crankset? This video dives into the differences of a compact and standard crankset and tells you how they will each affect you as a cyclist. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and for many cyclists it can be confusing to navigate all the different opinions out there.
In this video I give my opinion on which is best, and tell you why I believe this.

Пікірлер: 199

  • @MrSteamDragon
    @MrSteamDragon5 жыл бұрын

    As a novice I found this to be super informative. Thank you.

  • @justdezz5585

    @justdezz5585

    5 жыл бұрын

    Best explanation ive ever heard, cheers man

  • @jamesbutler1949
    @jamesbutler19497 жыл бұрын

    Perfect explanation. I have been riding road bikes for 25 years and at the beginning it was all 53/39 & probably 11/ 20? at the rear. You could never ever spin that gearing out. By spinning out I mean going over 115/120 rpm in 53/11. I ride a compact with a 11/28 rear and sometimes a 11/32 for steep long long climbs. I can hold 105rpm in a 50/11 going slightly downhill 2% with a tail wind 10mph for like 45 seconds before my heart rate is maxed out. 53/39 is for the Pro's, everyone else compact is the only way. I have seen a 34 front and a 34 rear on Contadors bike in the big mountains. Cavendish with a standard crank in a full sprint at 120rpm 65kmph, you are not spinning out your standard crank. Go compact and let it go.

  • @Slammo66

    @Slammo66

    4 жыл бұрын

    James Butler finally. Why is that so difficult for so many? All these guys out here spinning out on flats, 🙄they need to be on the tour beating Cav and Sagan on those sprints. 😂👍🏼

  • @bremnet1812
    @bremnet18124 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!!! I was just having this discussion today as I wasn't sure what my best option was for me. That said, I was told a compact and your video give it even a more in depth explanation as to why.

  • @flipside217
    @flipside2177 жыл бұрын

    the most beneficial comprehensive video on compact vs. standard. thanks very much!

  • @caseyturnbaugh2277

    @caseyturnbaugh2277

    Ай бұрын

    Best video on the topic I have seen! @durianrider can explain things like this young man?

  • @damontarrant5054
    @damontarrant50544 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Carefully, thoughtfully and thoroughly explained your rationale. I have a full suspension lefty with a compact. Thought about switching my crank but decided against it for the very reasons you described.

  • @pervertt
    @pervertt7 жыл бұрын

    Good, honest assessment of the pros and cons of riding a compact. Honestly, if you're not a pro, if you don't race or if you ride in hilly terrain, most of you will be better off with a compact crank paired with a wide range cassette.

  • @bradcomis1066
    @bradcomis10666 жыл бұрын

    Pretty easy choice. If you don't have a lot of hills ride standard or compact. If you live in a hilly/mountainous area get a compact. Simple.

  • @nihonbunka
    @nihonbunka6 жыл бұрын

    I found that with compact crankset that came on my bike I was often in the top gear at the rear, so I changed to a standard. I only use the top gears now going down hill (long shallow hill) or when drafting motorized vehicles but I like it that they are there.

  • @jimhenson9255
    @jimhenson92555 жыл бұрын

    "The biggest hill I get around here is when I go over a bridge."

  • @svenlima
    @svenlimaАй бұрын

    Good advice. Thank you. Thanks also for not using background music.

  • @banksj54
    @banksj547 жыл бұрын

    A simple solution to those looking to stay with the standard chainring can stay with the 53/39 but go with a 11/32 or higher cassette. Any one out there try a semi-compact 52/36 and 11/32 or 28 if so ,please share. Thanks

  • @KLYang40
    @KLYang403 жыл бұрын

    Great informative video. Thank you!

  • @khairiismail383
    @khairiismail3832 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the info... Just thinking about getting the 105 standard... Now im getting the 105 compact... Because there is a lot of hills and mountains in my area..

  • @leftymadrid
    @leftymadrid5 жыл бұрын

    I agree with you, I'm on a semi-compact 52/36, and rear 11-28, now live on the outskirts of Madrid, it's crazy the amount of climbing around here, at first my training was different, and difficult, almost went to full compact but, I stuck withe my set up and feels a little easier now, my fitness is much better and stronger now, plus I like the idea to be able to stand up on certain parts of climbs, but if I went to compact AND a 11-32 in the rear, it would force me to sit, so I think if one can stick it out with a semi and 11-28 they can acomplish those climbing tasks... now if you live in the alps, or demanding terrains with massive climbing, I SURELY would have to make a change just to be able to finish a climb like that!!!! Lol. Thx , great info most riders!!

  • @rodrodriguez5847
    @rodrodriguez58473 жыл бұрын

    Well best explained. Thank you.

  • @DonHo78gmail
    @DonHo78gmail3 жыл бұрын

    Great video! But, I disagree. I like the larger chain ring myself. So, I’m on the small chain ring most of the time now, so the standard does help me a lot on my average speed.

  • @churrosconamor6696
    @churrosconamor66964 жыл бұрын

    Well explained n informative thnx

  • @richardcarr6493
    @richardcarr6493 Жыл бұрын

    FOR A MAJORITY OF CYCLISTS this is a great idea even changing my big ring for a 50T has made a big difference in my riding cadence and gear selection used AND l ve hit 55km hr on the flats using 50-12 its enough to make you feel like TDF sprint finish :)

  • @danilocapellan1316
    @danilocapellan13163 жыл бұрын

    Thanks you’re right just what I need it to know. 😎👍🏼

  • @shandytorok259
    @shandytorok2593 жыл бұрын

    Very intelligent video, I agree 100% with you, there is about 200 people on Earth who would need any kinda special setup- the Le Tour guys- they've got their flat racers, and they've got their climbing setups so they just swap bike depending on the section they do and pumping out 450ws for hours... :) ....the rest of us gonna be totally fine with the compact! Not to mention the even less # of speed racers with the 1x1 say 60x11......

  • @6kmanu
    @6kmanu3 жыл бұрын

    Is 50-34 11-28 a good all rounder?

  • @mattk8810

    @mattk8810

    Жыл бұрын

    Thats why it comes that way on most bikes.

  • @johnmarrs3942
    @johnmarrs39424 жыл бұрын

    I am always in 53-11 in flat roads of Texas. I like the speed.. with standard. Just like the way it feels. Went from a compact to standard and couldn't be happier. Actually crave more gearing looking for 54.....I think it's more like weights at the gym. If you prefer a tougher gear.....Go with standard. I noticed a speed boost when riding standard over compact on the flats.Easier to get into mid 30mphs than with compact. Compact feels like there's no chain on at high speeds. Yes some may like that, but I like it to feel like there's still pull in chain. Standard also allows you to overtake people quicker than a compact. Just more torque for quick accelerations.

  • @arlokkkk

    @arlokkkk

    4 жыл бұрын

    I have standard and I want to go to mid compact. But after reading your comment maybe I'm going to stick with the standard

  • @carl8568

    @carl8568

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yeah, this is the issue i'm having with a 50, at 55-60km/h there's little feel from the chain. Will be trying out a 52 shortly.

  • @wasupwitdat1mofiki94
    @wasupwitdat1mofiki942 жыл бұрын

    I have a Dura-Ace 9000 crankset set up with 52/34 chainrings and I use the 11/28 cassette. I actually thought about getting a compact 50/34 but was concerned about losing the speed on the flats and and downhills. I got the idea of changing out just the small ring from a well know racer because he said that this is what he uses and it works or shifts without issue. Sure enough it does work and I saved by not buying a 50T ring. I live where all there is are hills after hills and climbing has gotten harder for me now that I'm feeling my age. I am a little surprised to learn from you that even with a 50T ring you can still ride at 35 to 40 mph. I didn't think it would be that fast.

  • @shandytorok259
    @shandytorok2593 жыл бұрын

    I agree 100%, intelligent presentation! Nowadays only pros use standard and on the hard climbs EVEN THEY use compact to save their legs for the remaining stages of the race!

  • @charlesb.1969
    @charlesb.19693 жыл бұрын

    I got a 50T and I'm happy with it . 👍

  • @fattony8803
    @fattony88033 жыл бұрын

    Hey I really like your video. I was wondering what your opinion was on one by drive trains for mtb

  • @alonzomartii
    @alonzomartii6 жыл бұрын

    I own a compact.and I'm always using large chainring ring and 12,14,16 sprockets in flat. Don't really use the 11 and 32. Once i get a little money. I'll get 12-27 cassette, standard crankset and short cage derailleur. And I never ever do cross chain.

  • @eugenhs
    @eugenhs6 жыл бұрын

    On my climbing bike (some of the hills I ride are ~15 degrees), I have 50/34 and 32/11. I rarely use the 34/32 combo but on sustained climbs at 10+degrees, it definitely is nice to have if your heart rate gets a little high and you need to bring back down.

  • @iamulfr1965
    @iamulfr19654 жыл бұрын

    My rear hub is a stormy archer 3 speed internal geared 18 tooth hub. My chainring is a 42,34,24. I am looking for advice on what would be better to get a smaller youth sprocket for my rear hub or change out my chainring set. I live in San Antonio, Texas and enjoy riding into Austin, Texas along river road and into the canyons which can get pretty difficult but I want to be able to reach higher speeds back in San Antonio wherever mostly flat. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

  • @-RedeemedOne
    @-RedeemedOne4 жыл бұрын

    Why you stop making vids?! They’re great man!

  • @RobertJWaid
    @RobertJWaid3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the balanced information. Even though you advocated for a compact, your information convinced me to stay with my standard crankset. As a power rider, I live in the large chain ring, don't have the crossing issue and don't want to give up the speed.

  • @user-dv3fk6di7c

    @user-dv3fk6di7c

    2 жыл бұрын

    Today I thought to by 53 chai ring, because 52 and 50 I already have, but after this video I changed my desicion. When I gonna to buy 53 chainring again, I'll watch this video and save my money.

  • @keynotecoronet3950

    @keynotecoronet3950

    Жыл бұрын

    As if you're able to sustain upwards of 67kph on a 110 rpm for longer periods. Poser.

  • @GotDamBoi
    @GotDamBoi2 жыл бұрын

    The only time I ever regret having a compact is if i'm going for a flat PR/CR on Strava. I also live in Washington State so having that 34 in the front is crucial for me lol lots of hills out here

  • @janoredsson9499
    @janoredsson94993 жыл бұрын

    good video!

  • @arlokkkk
    @arlokkkk4 жыл бұрын

    I have an shimano 105 FC-5700 53/39T crankset. Does anyone know if I can just swap the chainrings or do I need to buy a whole crankset. Thanks!

  • @peshkin
    @peshkin3 жыл бұрын

    My road bike came with the compact Ultegra R8000 and I've been cycling for 2 years on it. Here in the Netherlands is 100% flat and my problem is, I never touch the small ring. This makes me consider switching to the 53-39 so I can have a few more gears to play with. My old road bike used to be a 52-42 I think and it felt more natural here on the flats. Any thoughts?

  • @jason200912

    @jason200912

    Жыл бұрын

    Don't do it unless youre maxing out your gears on the hardest regularly. If not, leave it on compact.

  • @mikegsg9r
    @mikegsg9r11 ай бұрын

    I used this video and others to decide on a compact for my look kg486 frame I built. I have a 11-23 cassette. I'm not a super strong cyclist, but after 3 years I find myself always wanting to cross chain the compact. The small chainring is too easy, so I always want to be on the smaller cassette or I'd want to be on the big ring on the bigger cogs. The 39 on the standard is exactly what I need. I went the other way and switched to standard. High cadence might be how you win races, but most avg cyclists probably prefer to bike at a lower cadence for sustained rides.

  • @FamilytripsNevents
    @FamilytripsNevents2 жыл бұрын

    I spin out too quick on a compact. I'm using a medium compact. Even with that I'm usually in my big ring on flat surfaces at 16-17mph. Standard may be my favorite but we do have some hills nearby.

  • @dcrishon
    @dcrishon4 жыл бұрын

    I also live in Florida and am an above average cyclist - and am 71 yrs old. I currently have a 56/36 chainring and 11/28 cassette. I'm going to a 50/34 chainring, should I consider changing the cassette? I'm in Florida and average 15-18 mph

  • @dioright
    @dioright3 жыл бұрын

    5:58 that's the key point, standard suite's for group race

  • @umutbirey101
    @umutbirey1015 жыл бұрын

    how is shifting more is less off a deal from only gaining couple of watts from cross chaining ?

  • @quizguru9563
    @quizguru95634 жыл бұрын

    convinced we made questions back the present topic.

  • @LuisManuelHdez
    @LuisManuelHdez7 жыл бұрын

    Standard with an 11/32 works for me. For long grueling climbs (which I dont usually do on my road bike) not so much😁

  • @bowsershark

    @bowsershark

    6 жыл бұрын

    LuisManuelHdez This is a great way to go and I really like this set up on one of my bikes.

  • @rrivera5249
    @rrivera52494 жыл бұрын

    I have a 1996 TREK Mountain Track 820 with a Shimano Altus FC-CT91 Crankset. I'm having issues finding a similar crankset to install. It's a 38/32/24 tooth crankset. Can I install a different size crankset ie., 42/38/24? Would that work? Would appreciate anybody's input. Regards

  • @VegasCyclingFreak
    @VegasCyclingFreak5 жыл бұрын

    For an older guy like me, using a slower cadence with bigger gear ratio works better because it keeps the heart rate down more. Especially important when you have a sensitive sinus node condition like me where it gets jacked up very quickly/easily and you really only have a 30-35 BPM window between avg and max heart rate. I have a lot of hills where I live, and even my easiest ride has 600 feet of climbing. Compact crankset with 11-32 cassette works fine for me, but sometimes I think maybe a sub-compact might work a little better for me. I come from 80s BMX world back when it was standard to have 44-16 or 44-17 gearing, so grinding gears (up to a point) feels natural for me. Obviously I don't grind all the time, but I find the biggest gear I can use without killing myself or the legs. Sometimes do a little cross chaining, just depends on the circumstances.

  • @Yonok2009

    @Yonok2009

    5 жыл бұрын

    Vegas Cycling Freak Spot on bro! I am 70 yo I ride vintage steel 53/39 on 13- 29 still a strong rider but I like to keep my heart rate under 150 bpm My bike with a compact drive train is a wall hanger :) For hilly terrain I use my touring bike which has a triple - best of both worlds :)

  • @warwingsenthusiast5672
    @warwingsenthusiast56725 жыл бұрын

    what about those of us who have a profound love for sprinting? almost every time I ride, I do several high effort sprints. I just love the power and speed involved with sprinting. pushing my body to extremes and really getting my speed going. now, I recently switched from a standard crankset to a compact and I found myself spinning out way before I was able to hit the apex of my sprint and this compromise between the two cranksets is having my pretty bummed out on the new bike i just bought. to be fair, My new bike is a couple lbs heavier and has a longer wheelbase. i switched from a Cannonade SuperSix 10 sp i think it was 52/36 and 11-26. now I'm on a 2019 BMC road machine Ultra Di2 50/34 11/32 11sp. I love the bike but I'm having a hard time finding reasons not to return it for a more race driven bike or, Should I invest in a standard crankset and rear cassette for race days?

  • @josequilez5449

    @josequilez5449

    4 жыл бұрын

    You need a 11 to 25 cassette for subcompact sprinting. Your not thinking outside the box

  • @josequilez5449

    @josequilez5449

    4 жыл бұрын

    25 to 34 climbing is perfect look at a chart it's the same gearin you had with more even spread. You only lose a quarter a rotation wheel spin max from 53 to a 50 but it's a lot easier to spin

  • @PhillRS

    @PhillRS

    4 жыл бұрын

    50x11 at 100 rpm is equal to 36 miles an hour if im not mistaken... Usually sprinter get to 120/150 rpm... Meaning you'd sprint faster than 36 miles an hour... How many times I go faster than 40 miles an hour while racing crits??? If I'm fighting towards the Finnish line for a podium I'll get to 1500/1600 w and maybe 43miles an hour... Other than that... Oh well I use I 50/34 with an 11/28 and that's plenty for me

  • @Charles-wz9sd
    @Charles-wz9sd6 жыл бұрын

    I think riding TT bikes is an exception. I ride a 80-100 rpm cadence on a road bike. But on a tt bike, it's easier to bring the cadence down to a 70-90 rpm cadence which is why I ride a standard crank or even a 55/42.

  • @NickMaovich
    @NickMaovich4 жыл бұрын

    Would be good if you put definitions of both at the start of the video

  • @kay19833
    @kay198337 жыл бұрын

    What if i swap the 39 chainring in my standard for for a 34 and then I end up with a 53/34? Won't that be ideal? I will be fast on flatroads and downhill and climb fast as well .somebody please enlighten me. I have a 10speed drivetrain, 11-25 casette by the way.

  • @theartofcycling3943

    @theartofcycling3943

    7 жыл бұрын

    +kay poly most standard cranks have a bolt pattern that won't allow a 34 to fit. Besides, shifting would be very poor with such a gap between the sizes. In your situation I would just get an 11-28 cassette. Otherwise you would need a new crankset.

  • @CervezaDeGaraje

    @CervezaDeGaraje

    6 жыл бұрын

    Exactly, check 110 BCD vs 130 BCD

  • @kay19833

    @kay19833

    6 жыл бұрын

    Sorry, I made a mistake. I have a 52/39 but, now i run 52/36 11-34 I climb every piece of road thrown at me.

  • @phxrsx
    @phxrsx6 жыл бұрын

    I have a compact on my TT bike and hit about 95 cadence in 50x11 at 38 mph downhill... Compact is fine for most people.

  • @barnicutica3208
    @barnicutica32083 жыл бұрын

    However,,, in high cadence my heart tend to high up the cadence too. So I preffer to put a little bit of force than a higher cadence, For me 53/39 and 13/32 is the perfect combination.

  • @kymhinklin3668

    @kymhinklin3668

    2 жыл бұрын

    @banksie

  • @Propolizei
    @Propolizei5 жыл бұрын

    hello, can I ask for advice? I ride cx bike with triple crankset 50-39-30 and a 12-25 cassete, 10 speed. Is there some option for a cassete where I can get a higher gear ratio (I have an impression when I am in highest gear: 50-12, I feel that I can put s higher gear and ride a little bit faster). I know that road bike configuration with standard and semi compact cranksets is faster option but i really prefer cx bikes, because of ocasional offroad. Thanks.

  • @jason200912

    @jason200912

    Жыл бұрын

    11-42t cassette 10 speed with long arm derailleur and derailleur extension piece just in case

  • @Terrifier1984
    @Terrifier19845 жыл бұрын

    Coming from standard to compact i can say that compact is efficient on : chain line being straight = to less dragging, good for long mountains climbs and faster cadence ! Only down side high end speed but is actually marginal if you know how to convert a decend into a good aero decend . More shifting is usually need it over the cassette to rich 25 mph but hey is just like a outo trannsmission in my mind 😆

  • @joejones2700

    @joejones2700

    2 жыл бұрын

    I just upgraded my 52/40 1986 Peugeot to a new crankset made by velo orange and here in Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains I found even with a freewheel with 14/32 it was always exhausting to climb. I kept the same freewheel but now have 46/30. I couldn't believe how much better and faster I could ride keeping the cadence up. It was a couple of mph faster for the avg speed. That was huge for this 69 year old man. Good video. Thanks for your time and reinforcement.

  • @Terrifier1984

    @Terrifier1984

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@joejones2700 is you inner ring 46 or the outer?

  • @joejones2700

    @joejones2700

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Terrifier1984 outer is 46

  • @umutbirey101
    @umutbirey1015 жыл бұрын

    how about changing your cassette from 11/28 to 11/30 with 52/26 instead of going 50/34 crank and 11/28 cassette ?

  • @phillycheesetake

    @phillycheesetake

    5 жыл бұрын

    A 52/26? Are you mad? Who in the hell wants to make that shift?

  • @ugbstoretv49

    @ugbstoretv49

    3 жыл бұрын

    I believed that was a typo…52 36

  • @IQstrategy
    @IQstrategy4 жыл бұрын

    I like a sub compact 46-30 much more but can't find one easily. So, I have a 50/34 with 11-34, as I live in a hilly area. I will be lucky if I can sustain 35 km on a flat for 30 min or more (only likely with the wind on your back).

  • @michaelfasher

    @michaelfasher

    4 жыл бұрын

    Absolute Black make 46/30 oval chainrings that fit on a four bolt 110 mm BCD shimano crank

  • @drusauza8291
    @drusauza82914 жыл бұрын

    What about a shorter crank arm (faster cadence) and standard gearing(slower cadence)?

  • @cjohnson3836

    @cjohnson3836

    3 жыл бұрын

    Shorter fulcrum (crank arm) = less torque generated coupled to standard gearing requiring more torque. That's the worst of both worlds.

  • @robevans8625
    @robevans86257 жыл бұрын

    I use a 36 46 rotor oval. I'm decent on the flat and would be cross chaining on the flat with a 50 let alone a 53. in a strong chaingang a 50 may be better. going down a mountain fast a 46 is fine it's all about corner entry exit speed. on a long straight a 53 may be better.

  • @carl8568
    @carl85682 жыл бұрын

    It's not uncommon for me to be hitting 40mph/64kmh going down the hills around my area. It's annoying to be spinning out, so i'll be moving to a 52/36. I also like to bomb down a steeper hill on some rides which gets me up to 75-80kmh.

  • @garygrant2000
    @garygrant20002 жыл бұрын

    If your cassette is 11-34 rather than 11-28, then would you still recommend getting a compact over a full size crank?

  • @jason200912

    @jason200912

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes as long as you got that 11teeth rear

  • @hiro111
    @hiro1115 жыл бұрын

    Totally agree. I live in a fairly flat area. On my group rides, I'm typically hitting a 20-21 mph rolling average and generally pulling at 23-25 on the open road. I like to spin at 100 rpm. and I find I spend the vast majority of the time in the 53x19 or 53x17. Given that I'm running a 11-25, that's pretty high up the block. On steep climbs, I'm either cross chaining the 53 or searching madly for a gear on the 39. A compact crank gets me into the middle of the block with plenty of room to go up and plenty of room to go down. The only exception I can see for non-pro US-based riders is potentially race day for a strong cat 1-2 crit racers who is going to spend most of the race at 29 mph+. Those guys likely do need a 53. But that's not me, or likely you.

  • @nancyvaughn837
    @nancyvaughn8375 жыл бұрын

    I will listen for ever im new

  • @jsasa5668
    @jsasa56682 жыл бұрын

    I just purchased a BMC SLR01 that came with the Ultegra Di2 12sp with 52/36 crankset. I am coming from a BMC SLR01 Sram Red 10sp with a 50/34. I hate the 52/36. Why have 12sp if I am basically staying on the top 3-4 cogs when riding on the 52? I can’t use most of the cogs unless I drop to the smaller chainring. But I hate having to change chainrings so often. On my 10sp 50/34 I could stay on the 50 80% of the time and just switch to the 34 chainring on some uphills. Not the case here. I hate having to spend $ changing the chainrings or crankset but I will. I can go as fast as need to on the flats with the 50/11-16 gear ratio. I rather spend most of my time on the middle of the cassette and have the flexibility to go up and down without cross chaining a lot and not having to go down to the 34 chainring. In short, I agree with you. 50/34 FTW. Whenever I get stronger I may put the 52/36 back on it, but I’m 45 yo and I like higher cadences, so I don’t foresee that happening.

  • @charlesmansplaining
    @charlesmansplaining Жыл бұрын

    This also explains why I had to spend such a high amount for a replacement chainring for my crankset. I was using a 52T but I replaced it with a 50T. $240 for a chainring? WTF. Cycling is getting too expensive. I think my next bike is going to be a single speed.

  • @JohnLumapaskeith
    @JohnLumapaskeith2 жыл бұрын

    I'm convinced. I'm getting a compact.

  • @reecerunyan
    @reecerunyan4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks - easy to understand and excellent, practical advice.

  • @ocubex
    @ocubex4 жыл бұрын

    How are you sure I am not on my bikle and computer at the same time? Just kidding, great video share.

  • @leizhuang9109
    @leizhuang91095 жыл бұрын

    I think Froome use 52t osymetic chain ring which is even bigger than 53T, 38t is bigger than 39t

  • @kslikk34
    @kslikk344 жыл бұрын

    Florida in the house 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

  • @simonr7097
    @simonr70973 жыл бұрын

    The point about alignment is a bit moot: the big chainring on a standard is only 6% harder than on a compact, which is less than the difference between between any two consecutive cogs on your cassette. If you typically ride on the 15 tooth cog on the flat with your compact 50 tooth chainring, then you would select the 16 tooth to have the same cadence with a standard chainring. The difference in chain alignment is negligible here. For the small chainring, the same thing applies, as long as you use it only when climbing (you could conceivably ride 39x14 on the flat, but you shouldn't)

  • @michaelcloherty5352
    @michaelcloherty53524 жыл бұрын

    I have a 39 50 with a 40 cassette you will need a roadlink to use the gears I can climb any hill I've been up mount vontoux on it oh ya even a bridge

  • @Klips005
    @Klips0052 жыл бұрын

    Make me want to go bigger, I do 18 average on a 44 but can push to 28mph on a good day and keep it steady for a good distance

  • @chefe2152
    @chefe21523 жыл бұрын

    Good content,im new to biking, I was wondering, if I change my cassette and chain rings,do I have to change both deraileurs and shifting mechanism?

  • @rungsarnsuthithanin8415
    @rungsarnsuthithanin84153 жыл бұрын

    I have a 50 34 and 11 34, i got eaten alive around the course but climbingis wonderful

  • @jurestiplosek3018
    @jurestiplosek30183 жыл бұрын

    Great review.

  • @Ranger4402
    @Ranger44025 жыл бұрын

    No hills where you live? That sucks. Where I live we have them all over the place.

  • @phxrsx
    @phxrsx6 жыл бұрын

    @durianrider approved.

  • @gersonFls7
    @gersonFls73 жыл бұрын

    You DID Really forgot to mention that, when you see a pro cyclist doing 100 rpm's or with high cadence.... THEY ARE STILL NOT USING A STANDARD CRANKSET, THEY HAVE A HIGH CADENCE WITH A 42 OR MORE SMALL CHAINRING AND A 100RPM WITH A 54 CHAINRING

  • @catherinesmyth6060
    @catherinesmyth60606 жыл бұрын

    I hate the compact's large gap. Always having to compensate with a million shifts on the back per front shift. I changed from a compact to a triple. I prefer the meaty feeling of a low cadence.

  • @valentinseician
    @valentinseician7 жыл бұрын

    Is it possible to change standard with the compact? I have an Ultegra 6700 with 53/39. What compact do I need? Thanks.

  • @theartofcycling3943

    @theartofcycling3943

    7 жыл бұрын

    +Valentin Seician Sure it is- just requires some adjusting of your front derailleur. To keep it simple just get a Shimano Ultegra 50/34 crankset.You will probably need to shorten your chain by 2 links and lower/readjust your front derailleur and it will work fine.

  • @valentinseician

    @valentinseician

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much. I will take that into consideration. Very helpful info.

  • @HangTimeSolutions

    @HangTimeSolutions

    7 жыл бұрын

    I have three bikes one standard 53-39. 11- 36 rear capacity of 11-40 one mid 52-36 11-34 rear and one compact 50-34 11-32 rear. They all ride relatively the same in shifting and gear ratios. I have the same crank length on all the same 170. i have a gs rear derailleur for all three which is cheaper than switching a crankset and bottom bracket if your bike didn't come with one. you just need a wolf road, new chain and cassette. Keep old cassettes and chain for riding on different terrain flat rolling hills or steep hills. The lower end gears have more gaps in between gears as your chainrings get bigger. However this is less noticeable if you spin over 100 rpm cadence and let off when shifting for acceleration. My standard is on my tri bike and for fast on the flats I use 11-25 or 11-23 it actually feels like less friction with larger pulley cage. However I can take it anywhere rolling hills or up walls with 11-36 .My tri and road bike are di2 mechanical hybrid commuter. hope this helps. You can get an app to compare gear ratios to do math to know what ones equal what you looking for

  • @HangTimeSolutions

    @HangTimeSolutions

    7 жыл бұрын

    If you absolutely feel you must switch get the new 4 bolt 105 or ultegra because when you get stronger and want to go faster they can use chainring sizes from standard to compact or cyclocross. They say 11 speed but work with 10 speed. which will be one less thing to buy if you upgrade to 11 speed. If the teeth on your current chainrings are not worn I recommend again changing cassettes and chain until price of new cranksets and chainrings come down unless money is no object but if that's the case buy another bike with components you want..

  • @valentinseician

    @valentinseician

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the kind reply. It seems that with every week of riding I am getting more used to the bike, shifting gears and especially climbing hills. Got the road bike only 2 months ago. And being used to my MTB with 27 gears I used to climb hills with more ease, then got the road bike Scott CR 1 Team and I realised that it is much more difficult to climb hills, even when in the smallest cogs. But again, I believe it is a matter of training and getting used to the bike. I don't think it is worth for now to invest in a new chainring and modify the bike. Thanks again and cheers.

  • @SprintTri57
    @SprintTri577 ай бұрын

    I ride 50,34 11-30 on my road and TT bike. I get a lot closer cadence and just feel more efficient. TT,s might be around 23-24 mph with a lot of gears left at 90 RPM. I have to chuckle when I ride past riders nearly cross chaining their 53,39 ego gears 😂. that used to be me 😂

  • @dekkieboy
    @dekkieboy4 жыл бұрын

    I have a 50/40 chainring... When I'm going to ride relatively flat, I use a 13-26 cassette... But if I'm going to ride with a little climb, I use an 11-34 cassette... I enjoy my ride more as compared to when I have a 50/34 chainring... Just sharing...

  • @FrankZen

    @FrankZen

    4 жыл бұрын

    Do you have a way to switch them on and off quickly? Isn't that a pain?

  • @dekkieboy

    @dekkieboy

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@FrankZen The cassette..? It's just 4 steps, change the chain, remove the wheel, change the cassette then put the wheel back... Only need a chain plier, a hex wrench and a lock ring tool...

  • @beyuwallace
    @beyuwallace6 жыл бұрын

    What does a 34 inner mean? Standard or semi

  • @Slammo66

    @Slammo66

    4 жыл бұрын

    Alex W 34 inner, usually refers to the smaller chain ring, on a double or compact (50-34) crank set. Standard / 53-39 Mid or semi compact/ 52/36. If someone had a standard (53 big ring) and changed the inner ring to 34, which I would never recommend , then skip over the comment. They don’t know what they’re doing. It would be a nightmare 😂

  • @JPHET37
    @JPHET373 жыл бұрын

    If you’re into bikes like me and my dad. We have 4 road bikes. 1 for climbing and 1 for flats

  • @suryopras
    @suryopras6 жыл бұрын

    52/36 11-28

  • @petrub27

    @petrub27

    3 жыл бұрын

    i had this semicompact for 3 years. it helped me build great legs but i suffered a lot compact with 11/34 for me

  • @whosoever3436
    @whosoever34366 жыл бұрын

    There’s no answer for this question, it depends on how good your “engine” is......

  • @TeoSluga

    @TeoSluga

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes there is an answer to this. We all know how good we are, if we can maintain speeds over 40 miles per hour.... if not, compact. Simple.

  • @cjohnson3836

    @cjohnson3836

    3 жыл бұрын

    Populations of cyclists, like all things, regress to a mean. The majority of people have zero business on a standard. You, like it or not, are almost certainly one of those people.

  • @balonglong7075
    @balonglong7075 Жыл бұрын

    I just started cycling and i only ride mtb and in my case i can barely climb 15% using 42crank 30cogs cause my weight 74kg

  • @janvecerka7207
    @janvecerka72072 жыл бұрын

    I’m sad this channel isn’t producing anymore

  • @batbawls
    @batbawls6 жыл бұрын

    Downhill 40 mph, then hit the hill and shift to the 34 and instant 400 rpm cadence. I'm such a sucker

  • @koukimonzta
    @koukimonzta3 жыл бұрын

    I want a compact with 11-42

  • @lombardy3274
    @lombardy32744 жыл бұрын

    what about single 40 crank and 11-42 cassette? Understand this would limit top end somewhat but will it give enough on climbs?

  • @PhillRS

    @PhillRS

    4 жыл бұрын

    IMO you should go 2x11... More gears... But to answer your question, yes, you'd be ok with your setup

  • @damonthomas3109
    @damonthomas31096 жыл бұрын

    I have a triple on my roubaix, I pity the folks who struggle along without one.

  • @therealpinkyskull

    @therealpinkyskull

    5 жыл бұрын

    Damon Thomas granny gears! Yay

  • @bowsershark

    @bowsershark

    5 жыл бұрын

    Damon Thomas I agree. Triple all day every day. 50, 40 30 in front and 11-32 or 11-30 on rear freewheel.

  • @michaelfasher

    @michaelfasher

    4 жыл бұрын

    The new Tiagra is available in triple.

  • @raulfernandezperez73
    @raulfernandezperez734 жыл бұрын

    34/50 11/28 all the way, and i have a lot of hills to climb

  • @kollinquinn1956

    @kollinquinn1956

    3 жыл бұрын

    I live in New York City, where most climbs are going uptown or going over bridges. I'm upgrading my AR4. Is this best balanced,(34/50 11/28) and good for climbing?

  • @raulfernandezperez73

    @raulfernandezperez73

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@kollinquinn1956 its a balanced one, if u see u cant do it with 34 and 28, then look for a 30 cassette ...

  • @Carftymk
    @Carftymk2 жыл бұрын

    i'm HUGE on the compact team, even subcompact because I live in the alps and the average 53/39 here is a 150FTP cretin who mocks me for my low ratio, but if i lived in florida i'm pretty sure even I would be using standard, with my shit FTP.

  • @derekbiggerstaff
    @derekbiggerstaff6 жыл бұрын

    Grand tours have been won by people who used low cadences. High cadences do not suit everyone. Higher cadences require more oxygen and fuel per watt into the bike.

  • @brunobaumanis7869

    @brunobaumanis7869

    6 жыл бұрын

    True, a higher caence makes you a less efficient aerobic motor. However, shifting the strain from your heart to your muscles comes with the downside of more lactic acid buildup, which limits the acual ride longevity because of your legs being clogged up. Those people most-likely used some sort of doping to achieve the needed recovery after grinding up a climb and wrecking their legs.

  • @charohazard

    @charohazard

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yep but it's easier to build you aerobic motor than you muscles, also lactic acid build up from low cadence will make your rides shorter

  • @DAlexKablack
    @DAlexKablack7 жыл бұрын

    chris froome isn't just using a high cadence ;) On topic though, compact cranks (50T) seem to be governed at around 32-34 mph if you've got a 12T cassette maybe 35-36 with a 11T cog, if you're racing criteriums, standard chainring seems to be the way to go. But for the regular recreational rider, compact is nice for those hills. I went from standard for two years to a compact, felt very slow, but eventually got used to it and now I'm back to where I used to be.

  • @gtranquilla
    @gtranquilla Жыл бұрын

    Understanding an engine’s speed/torque curve predetermines a vehicles gear qty and ratios. The human body produces far less than one horsepower! So the speed torque curve is extremely peaked within a very limited speed range, I.e., your optimum cadence between 80 and 95. That is all we need to know….

  • @josorzo11
    @josorzo116 жыл бұрын

    Hell no mid compact is the way to go !! If your fit enough you should be able to spin a mid compact as well ...

  • @wallacepelletier698
    @wallacepelletier6986 жыл бұрын

    i'm 56yrs.and my top speed i can do at my age is 43.7 with a 52x12.at my age i can't keep that up for very long maybe 1 mile tops but for me it doesn't matter because i'm not a pro rider i just really like my speed.but yeah i enjoy my full size crank sets.i'v tried compact and found i don't like them i can spin them out to easy.i know i'm not real fast next to the young guys but like i said i do love speed.cheers and keep the rubber side down.

  • @therealpinkyskull

    @therealpinkyskull

    5 жыл бұрын

    Wallace Pelletier you can spin out a 50 11!? Wow you must be super old man! You can be the oldest man in the Tour de France if you can do that on anything other that a down hill.

  • @Tarmac2021
    @Tarmac20215 жыл бұрын

    Talking about a compact...but saying 52 chainring and 34 chainring. Should be saying compact is 50/34. and a mid compact is 52/36.

  • @cjohnson3836

    @cjohnson3836

    3 жыл бұрын

    He specifically said "50 tooth" multiple times.

  • @detolerandisstultorum
    @detolerandisstultorum3 жыл бұрын

    Compact is 50/34. A 52/36 of which he is speaking is a semipro or mid compact.

  • @bewimotos
    @bewimotos6 жыл бұрын

    its all about cadence aaaaand Doping..