compact v double

jackstaff

What are the main difference I've a compact shimano hallowtech HI thinking going to ultegra
I see a lot of people selling cranks here but mainly doubles
I'm not racing or anything

rollingscone

jackstaff wrote: »

What are the main difference I've a compact shimano hallowtech HI thinking going to ultegra
I see a lot of people selling cranks here but mainly doubles
I'm not racing or anything

It's just a question of gearing. The bigger the chainrings the more resistance. Doubles are great for descending, compacts are nice for climbing.

Muckers

The majority of non racing cyclists use compact chainsets, as it gives them more options while climbing. However the availability of an in between chainset ie 52/36 is worth considering also before you bite the bullet on one.

Jack Joll

Its really simple, sportive rider - compact! If your racing, strong A3 and above - double.

nak

OP were you thinking of a triple chainset? Compact is a double (usually 50/34), mid-compact (52/36) then standard (53/39).

jackstaff

nak wrote: »

OP were you thinking of a triple chainset? Compact is a double (usually 50/34), mid-compact (52/36) then standard (53/39).

No mate I have a 50/34 and seen all these ultegra 53/39 chainset for sale and was wondering why so popular is there something I'm missing out on lol

rollingscone

I think it depends on your build/capacity too. I needed to change down from a double to a compact because I'm a horrifying troll like creature with knackered knees and climbing was too punishing.

I still miss the big chainrings on long descents though.

conor t

You could always stick a 28 on the back with 39 on front

ford2600

http://www.strava.com/activities/66395460/segments/1567263619

Once upon a time before I knew better I climbed this with 39/23. Have since done it a few times on 34/28.

You can do it on both, I know which I'd recommend. 50/11 will get you by on most descents

Cee-Jay-Cee

jackstaff wrote: »

No mate I have a 50/34 and seen all these ultegra 53/39 chainset for sale and was wondering why so popular is there something I'm missing out on lol

Chances are there are so many of them for sale is because people are changing their doubles to compacts...

doozerie

Jack Joll wrote: »

Its really simple, sportive rider - compact! If your racing, strong A3 and above - double.

Not quite so simple. I am a mediocre A4 and I am happy riding a double, because of my riding style and my physical characteristics (I am small and skinny) I wouldn't ride or climb any better with a compact.

There are many factors in the choice of what to use, at the end of the day it is really just down to personal choice. A compact typically gives you a lower gear but you end up with bigger jumps between gears (and you might end up changing between big and small chainring more than you would with a double), a double typically gives you a (marginally) bigger gear with a closer ratio but not such a low gear (unless you get a wider ratio cassette, in which case you sacrifice the small and regular gaps between gears). Swings and roundabouts, take your pick from amongst the pros an cons that are most significant for you.