gearing conundrum

[lunacycles]

compact crank? Chorus cranks are pricey, but I don't see why switching it out is particularly complicated: replace crank, lower and adjust fd, shorten chain a link or two...ride!

[kenyonchris]

compact crank? Chorus cranks are pricey, but I don't see why switching it out is particularly complicated: replace crank, lower and adjust fd, shorten chain a link or two...ride!

That's what I thought, but DH thought I would have to replace the FD and chain?? And can't I add a gear on back without replacing the entire cassette?

[Pedal Wench]

I'm talking Campy 10, not 11, so your mileage may vary... I ran a compact with a standard FD for years, and it was just fine. I think that's still what I have on one of my bikes, and I couldn't tell you the difference.
However, I agree with whoever said to just get a new 12-29 cassette. I'm the worst climber I know, but I survived a week in Colorado with a 53/39 and that 29 in the back. I prefer a compact or triple, but that would be the cheapest option. Plus, once you put in enough miles on that chain, you'll need a new cassette soon anyway.

[kenyonchris]

Thanks ya'll. If just replacing the cassette is enough to get me through, that is what I am going to do. I guess that if I survived (not happily, but survived) on the 11-27 with the 53/39, a 12-29 cassette may be enough.

[maillotpois]

Didn't that Breakaway ride also do Oakville grade (the bad side - east to west)? That's about the worst in the area.

V's right about King' Ridge and Coleman - and that the SJ ride probably won't require anything different in your gearing. That course is pretty flat, all things considered. as for Levi's - KR is longer, but Coleman comes later in the ride and thus feels harder than it is. You would probably be happy with a compact double on those - if you have a standard double now, you would have to replace the crankset/FD I think.

Here's another thought - not ideal, but I do know that some of the bike rental places here rent decent road bikes (Kestrel, Marin), which would come with a triple or compact double. Do you really want to change the gearing on your bike if it works for what you usually ride at home? I know the sustained climbs are no fun on a standard double, but changing everything just for a few rides - even if you come back and do one ride every year - seems like a bit much.