Double vs. Compact Double

[roadfix]

Couldn't you keep the cranks and front derailleur and shifter and just change out a ring (or two)? (and adjust things afterwards, of course)

To a certain extent, yes. On a standard double crankset (typically 53/39) the smallest chainring you can mount on it is 38. You can also swap out the large ring to a 50, for instance.
A compact crankset uses a smaller spider arm (110 BCD) to hold the rings and typically come with 50/34 or 36. You can mount larger rings on a compact crankarm if you wish to make that change. One normally sets up a bike with either the standard or compact double depending on their strength & riding style but that's another completely separate subject matter.
You can use your front shifter and derailleur with either setup. No need for a compact specific front derailleur....standard front derailleur works perfectly on a compact double.

[KnottedYet]

Had a great time hanging out at my good ol' LBS www.recycledcycles.com with a wrench who has a Waterford, too.

He said they could order me a Campy Veloce compact double (50t/34t) for $148. I can get it from Nashbar for $140, but that's as much as they can lower their quoted $170 price. That's ok with me. I love them. They love me. Feel the love and $8.

They have a used Campy Athena bb for $20 (I'll get 10% off cuz they sponser my Team Survivor team). Wrench says it's in darn good shape and should have another 4,000 miles left on it, easy.

They have used Campy Veloce and Mirage front deraileurs (and a couple other Campys in case those are gone when I take my bike in) for between $15 and $25 (and I'll get 10% off that, too). Wrench says they will work fine on a Campy compact, no need to order a compact FD unless I'm planning on racing and need superfast shifting.

He said the labor charge to replace the regular double with the compact stuff would be about $15-20. (feel the love, feel the LOVE)

So, all you bike mechanic goddesses, does this sound like a good deal?

The bike shop isn't being hurt by giving me more than my usual 10% off on the new crankset. I will bring them a six-pack when I take in my Waterford. Feel the love! Feel the bribery! (be kind to my bike, and I'll bring you ANOTHER six-pack....)

[velogirl]

Yes, it's a good deal. But then again, anytime you're patronizing your LBS I think you're making the right decision. Your LBS will be there to take care of you through thick & thin. Why not give them your business when you can?

ps -- cookies are better than beer. No one will crash riding home after eating a cookie.