Noob question, here. My bike-fitter suggested 160mm cranks, and in particular the Shimano 105 FC-R7000 Crankset. If you can even find it, it appears it only comes with a 50-34 setup. My question is, is it possible to just buy larger chainrings, such as the 52-36, and swap them out as needed? The highest elevation in my state is just over 1250’, so I don’t have many hills to worry about.
I would buy two complete cranksets and swap the chainrings. Then sell the crankset that you don’t want.
Forgot to mention… have you tried crank arms that are 155mm or 150mm?
Yes, so long as it’s 4x110bcd. Some can look a but weird with shimanos 4 splines. Some place sell plugs (e.g., rotor) that makes the transition smooth.
I swapped the chainrings from my stock Ultegra cranks to 160mm 105 cranks a couple years ago. It is not the most aesthetically pleasing set up, as the spider area of the 105 cranks is shaped slightly differently; but, mechanically they match.
That’s why you should buy two of the 105 cranksets and swap chainrings.
I do not disagree with your recommendation.
To play devils advocate, Ultegra rings are lighter. 105 Crank and rings, were heavier than Ultegra crank and rings, but 105 crank and Ultegra rings were lighter than both set-ups.
I’d actually stick with the 50/34. Almost because you live somewhere with no hills. My logic:-
- shorter cranks mean you have less leverage, so will feel a little more resistance for same power.
- shorter cranks mean your cadence will go up slightly, so can get away with a little less gearing
- if you never really train on hills, then having the gearing to ‘help’ should you race away is really helpful.
As for the aesthetics, I posted about this recently. I’ve got the ‘clumsy’ chainring pairing on one of my quarqs - ie not the smooth match. Doesn’t bother me in the slightest in use or at the coffee shop. However, I know it makes some peoples eyes burn just seeing that. So you do you. 