[Squeak]

So lets just say I was looking at a bike and it has 172.5 mm cranks on it with standard gearing (50, 39).

If I put a compact cross crank set on it, should it be the same length? Does it make a difference with standard and compact cranks?

 

[Heidi]

just run it without cranks, it's much safer because then you don't nail yourself in the shins.

 

[Squeak]

just run it without cranks, it's much safer because then you don't nail yourself in the shins.

Not helping!

 

[Wumpus]

Does it make a difference with standard and compact cranks?

No.



..

 

[Secret Squirrel]

I thought standard gearing was 53/39 and compact was 50/36....


crank length shouldn't make any difference.

 

[maddog17]

crank lengths are the same, the gearing is what changes between standard and compact. 53/39 is standard 50/36 is compact

 

[Wumpus]

I thought standard gearing was 53/39 and compact was 50/36....

That's probably the industry standard.

The only difference between standard and compact is the ability to run a smaller ring ie a smaller spider. If you like your current crank length, then you should keep it the same. Crank length is not determined by ring size.

 

[Squeak]

Ok, that makes sense. I want smaller rings for cross, 50 is pushing it size wise.