Double Chainring

Compact Crankset Explained?

For those who are still relatively new to the arena of cycling you have probably heard of the word compact crankset, but were not certain as to what the term meant. How does a compact crankset differ from standard cranksets and what are the advantages to using one? You will be surprised at what it is and the ways for using them.

As the name implies, a compact crankset is going to be smaller than an everyday crankset. It’ll have a 110 millimeter size, which is seriously smaller than common 130 mm or 135 mm sizes. This in turn lets you have smaller chainrings, with fewer teeth, as well .

One of the major elements of a current compact crankset is that it’s a double crankset, which means it features two chainrings as opposed to three. The smaller crank arms and configuration allow for this without losing the low gear pliability and power of a triple crankset.

One of the benefits of all of this is that you can start shaving weight off your cycle. As heavy cyclists know, when it’s crunch time, two oz can go a ways to making or breaking your performance against the competition and against the clock.

Another benefit to the compact crankset is that you can do and maintain higher rpm’s when you are climbing because you are staying in a lower gear. This is one of the methods that helped make Lance Armstrong so successful in the mountainous stages of the Tour de France. By maintaining such high r.p.m’s he was in a position to gain a maximum amount of power and speed without tiring himself out.

In addition, with less spacing in between your gears you will be able to maintain your pace with far less work thru adverse conditions. This also includes a sudden wind changes, elevation changes that might affect your effort and pace.

It is also important to note the above describes compact cranksets for road cycling. For mountain biking, a compact crankset refers to a triple crankset that has been made smaller to help the rider avoid more difficulties in the course.

clearly, a compact crankset has lots of various advantages. Many cycle riders make lighten their bikes and maintian higher RPM’s up inclines and also maintain their pace in other conditions. A compact crankset can help give you the additional edge you’ve been searching for. .

Brompton Double Chainring


Shimano FC-M800 Saint Bashguard (104x32T Max)


Shimano FC-M800 Saint Bashguard (104x32T Max)


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Shimano Saint M800-2 Bash GuardShimano OEM bash guard for M800-2 crank setsPlasticUse with CR1078: Saint FC-M800-2 Chainring bolt setItem SpecificationsColorBlackMaterialPlasticChainring BCD104mmMax Tooth32teeth…

ORIGIN8 Double/Triple Chainring Bolts


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SRAM XX Front Derailleur


SRAM XX Front Derailleur



The shifting feel of SRAM XX is accurately described as supreme. The SRAM XX High Clamp Front Derailleur is a notable part of the whole package. It’s specifically designed to work in harmony with the XX double crank.The XX front derailleur is made to handle up to a 15-tooth differential between the big and little rings. It’s cage is shorter and narrower than a triple-specific changer. This is grea…

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