10/15/14 10:04 AM

Looking for recommendations for a lightweight compact crank. I haven't been following the product releases for a while so don't know what's out there. At 160 lbs and a power weinie, I will never stress a crank enough to worry about its strength, so lightweight is the way to go for me.

Campy shifting, if that matters.

10/15/14 10:55 AM

For a threaded BB, Sram Red 22 GXP crank is quite light and not that expensive.

10/15/14 10:28 PM

If you're using Campagnolo shifters (and presumably derailleurs) why not go for a Campagnolo crank. They make compact cranks at various price levels from Veloce up to Super Record.

10/16/14 5:41 AM

... and well made. Campy is nice, but more finicky to set up without squeaking issues and much more expensive. FSA cranks are good and the latest cranks from Race Face are quite nice. I don't own any Shimano cranks, but those I've ridden have worked well.

As for shifting, they all seem to work just fine. I can't think of a single reason that matching the crank and front derailleur brand would make any difference in shifting performance, since it's mainly a function of chainring design.

10/16/14 10:35 AM

Agree it is in the Chainrings, ramp/pins. I find Shimano and the top Raceface I have shift up to the big ring most transparently.

The SLK Lite seems a nice crank-set, but seems over priced to me.

I am using a 6750 Compact 34/50 on the disc Roubaix. It is not as modern looking as the 11 speed stuff. But the 11 Speed Ultegra 36/52 may be work a look. See these for under $200.00 on sale here and there. I have early 10s Chorus cranks with a Record 10s front DR on the Paramount, Shimano indexed 10s rear with bar-cons. I think if a bike had ERGOs instead of Bar-Cons I would find it objectionable having a Shimano crankset. ;)

Last edited by Sparky on 10/17/14 12:20 PM; edited 1 time in total

10/17/14 11:10 AM

They're on sale for $320.
http://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/SRAM/SRAM-Red-Exogram-GXP-Crankset-2013.axd

10/17/14 12:05 PM

If I were spending that kind of money (which I'm not), I'd get these:



I know they're not to everyone's taste, but I think they're gorgeous--and I could get them with my preferred rings, though they don't come in my preferred length.

10/17/14 12:21 PM

Retro fodder, it is pretty though. 3 bolts? My Paramount would like those, if not so tweaked already to the modern side. ;)

10/17/14 12:26 PM

I use Chorus myself, but I think Parkin prefers weight weenie/exotic. Go with these, only $1,349, chainrings extra:

https://fairwheelbikes.com/thm-clavicula-road-crankset-p-2790.html

10/17/14 12:31 PM

So's the BB and the proprietary installation tool...

10/18/14 7:29 AM

Clavicula is expensive, several hundred over Campy, and probably saves only about 50 grams, by my rough estimate. Not enough to tempt me.

10/18/14 10:56 AM

...AND less expensive. The FSA K-Force Light is one and I think even SRAM Red is lighter, unless you spring for the Super Record Ti crank (~$1200 list price, $800-900 on sale).

10/18/14 2:43 PM

Brian - Those choices look pretty good to me.

Next question: what's the latest on the front derailleur when changing to compact cranks? I have Campy Record 10 spd Ergo set up. Do I need a different front derailleur to handle a compact?

10/18/14 2:50 PM

quote:

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Do I need a different front derailleur to handle a compact?

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10/18/14 3:19 PM

I have a 6500 derailer on my 46/30 and it works fine.

10/19/14 2:54 PM

...just for compact cranks. I found a couple on Ebay and they work well. However, the newer standard front is claimed to work on both types of crank and it may work just as well.

When I go to even smaller rings, such as the 24/39 on my 'cross bike, I use a MTB front derailleur, since they're made for small rings. With Campy front shifters - which aren't indexed - you can use any front derailleur. I currently have a SRAM XO on the 'cross bike and it shifts great.