I made some upgrades to my Softride Rocket R1 with input from Slowman’s article. I went with a FSA compact crank, Look CX-6 pedals, Dura Ace bar end shifters, front and long cage rear derailer, Ultegra 12x27 10 speed cassette, and a Fizik Arione Tri saddle. I have Spinergy Tilium wheels (I like them) and put some new Michelin Pro Race tires on them. Test ride this morning and a major improvement, can’t wait to take it out on some long rides. I had a Azoto Tri saddle and the Arione Tri is a big improvement.
What did you think of going to compact? Did it make a great diffrence for the kind of terrain you ride?
One reason is I ride steep and I want to maintain a high cadence, the area where I live and potential Ironmans (Japan and Korea) have a lot of climbing. I also went with a compact on my road bike and have been happy with that.
Have you noticed any diffrence on how your knees feel with compacts?
I’ve been fortunate to not have any knee pains but I’d say with the compacts my legs feel fresher and it’s sweet when your out there climbing and you know your not in for a grind fest.