[JRogers]

I have been thinking of changing to a double compact in place of the triple I've been using. I figure it'll be better when I take it on dirt (cross bike) and if I do any touring or anything like that.

Can I use my shifters and FD (front is a 105 triple with an Ultegra triple FD) for a a compact double and just set the limit way in? I know the standard answer is new stuff, but I don't care if there's an extra click or if the shifting isn't spot-on perfect- long as it works it's okay with me. My shifting is terrible right now with the crappiest rings in the world and I don't mind so much.

Also, any recommendations on a good, relatively inexpensive compact? Shimano maybe?

 

[Wumpus]

Shouldn't be any problem with the shifter. I've been doing that with my XT shifter for a long time. The only thing I can think of is the throw might be off so you might have to experiment with which limit screw to adjust the extra shift out with. (I adjust it so there isn't an extra click, but you can set it so you have a little trim on one ring.)

Going to need a new BB if the new cranks aren't intergrated.

 

[ire]

Shouldn't be any problem with the shifter. I've been doing that with my XT shifter for a long time.

I only run two rings on my XT cranks and haven't had a problem...make sure you adjust the shifter to use the first two upclicks that way you don't have an extra click. As for cranks, I would look around on roadbikereview.com's classified area and ebay.....I scoped the usual online sale sites and didn't any cheap compact cranks, lots of cheap standard

 

[James]

Some of the older Shimano STI setups were both double and triple-compatible.
The one thing I would recommend changing is the front derailleur, you probably won't get perfect performance out of the triple mech shifting the two rings.
FSA makes a pretty cheap, decent compact-specific front derailleur, though the Shimano doubles work great too.

 

[DirtyMike]

Your shifter will be fine, But as James said, you will need a front derailer. I have no performance problems with shifting or trimming with mine, but I did have to get the front derailer to make it work.

 

[-dustin]

The FSA FD seems to be rather finicky. Anyone else experience that? Customers come in wanting to purchase a new front derailleur to go with their new compact cranks. it's hard convincing them that their current derailleur will work. Campy's CT FDs are rather crappy in my opinion, compared to their standard FDs.

For what it's worth, 10sp 105 shifters are double/ triple and work fine. There is an issue that some will experience if the front derailleur cable is a little loose...basically, the rider jams the shifter into the "3rd" position in order to get the chain into the big ring (double setup). This makes the shifter feel jammed.

Shimano R600 is fairly cheap. FSA Energy cranks are cheap-ish, too. Personally, I'd stick with either R600 or R700.

 

[JRogers]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I have to think about whether it's worth the money or if I should just get new rings and call it a day. R600/700 sets seem to be fairly cheap online and off ebay and whatnot. There's also this: http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CR407B06-Shimano+105+5600+Crankset.aspx

Doesn't seem like a bad deal even without the cups. Anything wrong with these 105 cranks? Again, I'm not planning on racing...most of the parts on my bike are 1998 Ultegra (amazing how long road components last, huh.)

 

[moff_quigley]

Those cranks are probably OEM takeoffs, but still it's a sweet price.

 

[loco-gringo]

50/39 is the stupidest thing Shimano ever did.

 

[JRogers]

50/39 is the stupidest thing Shimano ever did.

Wow, I didn't even notice that was a 39T. WTF? Why the hell would they do that?

 

[James]

My cross bike has 38/48 gearing on it...