Buying a compact crankset

Triathlon Forum
1

Some help here would be appreciated.

I would like to buy the FSA Compact Crankset off ebay. I finally figured out I need a 175 mm (based on what I have now), but do I need to know anything else to assure compatability?

2

FSA cranks usually use an ISIS bottom bracket, instead of the Octalink that Shimano cranks usually use. what bottom bracket do you have on your bike now?

3

I use the FSA K-force mego xo myself, will never switch back. I can run an 11-23 on the wheels and get more gears (high and low) than the traditional 12-25 x 53/39. Plus the middle gears are more evenly spaced. It just feels right.

That said, setting up the front derailleur can be tricky: its ok if you have a clamp style - you can just raise or lower it. But if you use braze on, make sure you have some lower adjustability otherwise you may have some shifting issues.

4

I use the FSA K-force mego xo myself, will never switch back. I can run an 11-23 on the wheels and get more gears (high and low) than the traditional 12-25 x 53/39. Plus the middle gears are more evenly spaced. It just feels right.

That said, setting up the front derailleur can be tricky: its ok if you have a clamp style - you can just raise or lower it. But if you use braze on, make sure you have some lower adjustability otherwise you may have some shifting issues.

^^^^ the truth

Just another fan of the compact with a 11-23. Also, if your a bigger rider or hard on parts (sprinter, out of saddle climber, etc) the megaEXO is the only way to go. With my weight BB’s were not doing to well. my mechanic suggested the megaEXO a 18 months ago and I’m never going back. I have the FSA Compact megaEXO on both my Tri and Road bikes, work great. Smoother then a Shimano DA BB, but not quite the ‘like butter’ Campy Record BB.

5

I currently have Shimano BB. I realize that I will need new BB as well.

Thanks for feedback.

6

Shimano BB are pretty decent. Ritchey makes octalink compact cranks in various quality levels which are all nice. Might be a cheaper / easier option.

Styrrell

7

You’ll need to switch to a compact front der’lr like the IRD or FSA one.

8

Lefty,

I’m planning to switch my FSA Carbon Compact Cranks to Rotor Cranks after this season. I’ll be racing on my compact cranks for the last time this Saturday at IMFL. Email me @ paulfernandez@yahoo.com if u are interested in buying them. Below are the specs… Carbon Compact Cranks 172.5 mm Octalink setup (i run a Shimano bb) Roughly 2200 miles on them (1 years use) Pretty good condition (usual scratches/wear on the chainrings)

Paul

9

I have two Ritchey WCS Compact cranksets. They are a great option. Carbon cranks are nice for the bling factor…but the aluminum options are just as functional from a performance perspective. The Ritcheys are black with silver machined accents. Nice looking.

10

Save your money and get a Centuar level one this Spring in alum. Buy a Phil Wood BB to match the square hole and write back in 12-15 years when it still hasn’t worn out and has been on three bikes.

11

Would that work with a shimano drivetrain, or would you need to move to campy?

12

Works fine 9s/10s to 9s/10s. Not with 8 speed to 10 speed either way.