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.
>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!!
>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.
Double for triple is more complicated because you would have to change your front and rear derailleur. The ultegra triple crank is about the same price as the shimano R700 compact crank the last time I checked. If you want real low gearing for the hills and not just a few extra lower gears than triple is the way to go with new triple 52/39/30 chainigs. The shimano compact crank is made to work with a standard front derailleur but other compact cranks sometimes recommend a compact front derailleur.
Of course you could sell your present crank and put that towards the cost of a new crankset.
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