Quote Originally Posted by Triskeliongirl View Post
Actually, you don't need to swap out the crankset, just buy new chain rings. A compact will hold a 52 (or even larger I think), the rule is just that the largest gap you can have between rings is 16T, most use 14-16, i.e. 50/36 or 50/34, but nothing says you couldn't put other sizes on there. Ask your fitter for help, I don't think its a big deal, you just need to be sure to order chain rings that are compatable with the size of the bolt arms (I think that is what they are called, these are the things you screw the chain rings on, and they do come with different bolt circle diameters-bcds).

Ah, that's a good point and something to keep in mind should my new plan not work out to my satisfaction.

I've done a little research and I've opted to go with a different cassette and keep the compact crankset. I really wanted the higher end gear, so if I swap the 12-25 cassette for an 11-25, I can still have the same climbing gear, but I get another big gear for the flats. Plus, a cassette is way cheaper than a crankset!

I'll hopefully pick this up this weekend and get the rest of the bike put together. Then I'll take photos! (maybe... I might wait until after my fitter gets done with it next Friday). Soon, I promise!