Message:
>Hi,>I'm seriously considering buying a new (2005) Orbea Mitis Dama. It is an awesome ride and fits me perfectly. The only problem is that I am certain I want smaller gearing than the 53/39 double chainring it comes with. (it has ten-speed Ultegra components, and comes with FSA crankset). I have not completely decided whether to go with a triple or a compact, but I am seriously leaning towards a compact.
>My bike shop wants to charge me $215 to swap in a triple crankset, or $230 to swap in a compact double. I am not even sure which components need to change when these changes are made, except the crankset of course.
>Can any of you clarify for me
>1) what components must be replaced to turn a 53/39 double into a 50/34 compact?
>2) what that should cost (ballpark)
>3) whether this is something that would be cheaper to do on my own with the help of someone who knows a fair amount about bikes (who would do it for free)
>Also, if you feel like, please answer the same questions about swapping the double for a triple. (and feel free to toss in your recommendationf or which approach is better. Basically I am just too weak and ride too many hills for a 53/39 to work for me, I'm often wishing for a lower gear.)
>MANY THANKS!!
The compact works well for a lot of people and you usually don't have to change the front derailleur. My friend switched both her road bikes from standard road cranks to compact crank with 50/36 chainrings. She loves it. The 50 tooth gives her plenty of speed and the lower inside ring gives her a big help on the hills.
The price of a compact crankset varies a lot from $149 for FSA Gossamer (Truvativ elita), $190 for shimano R600 compact or very expensive carbon FSA compact. I thin the shimano compact is the best value. If you sold your old crank you could put that toward the new compact. You might end up paying $100 for a new compact crank if you installed it yourself.
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