TransWikia.com

Options for a super-compact crankset for touring (replacing Shimano 105 crankset)

Bicycles Asked on July 6, 2021

I plan to use my new Canyon Endurace AL (11-34, 52/36) for some touring and I’d like some slightly more pleasant gears as I’ll be carrying some weight (I have a tailfin rack I’m using with it) up some hills.

My ideal setup would be buying a 46/30 crankset for around £100-£150 which I could just swap in when touring (a couple weeks a year) (readjusting the front derailleur of course) and swap out when doing normal riding (95% of the year). I realise I’d also probably need to swap over the chain or shorten it each time.

Are there any such 46/30 or 48/31 cranksets that would work with a 105 setup and standard Shimano BB? I wouldn’t want to change the BB over each time. I saw the RX600 but assume this would need a new FD as well due to the chainline difference. Are there any hacks to make it work? Are there any parts in Shimano’s lineup that could help – I don’t mind if it’s not perfectly permitted by Shimano, just need it for a couple weeks a year really.

If not, I guess my options are just to switching the chainrings down to 50/34 – a small decrease of about 6% vs 17% for 46/30 but better than nothing. Would that be just a case of buying two new chainrings and installing them?

2 Answers

I assume your current crankset has a 110mm BCD? You could go down to 46/33 teeth. (example 33 teeth chainring: https://www.bike-components.de/en/TA/X110-Chainring-4-arm-Inner-110-mm-BCD-p46803/)

The Shimano RX600 crankset puts the rings and pedals slightly more outwards. It might work with a normal road front derailleur, otherwise (officially) you need a GRX front derailleur.

I’d rather go for a traditional width, something like the FSA Supercompact with 46/30t.

Correct answer by Michael on July 6, 2021

A 46-teeth ring is also available as a big ring for cyclocross. It is usually combined to a 36 but it works with a 34 as well, though Shimano doesn't endorse the combination. That way you'll just have to get the chainrings (and second chain) The 46 ring is a simple inexpensive flat ring with 4 plastic bolt covers on the spider.

The problem with going smaller may reside in the possible lack of clearance between rings and chainstay.

Answered by Carel on July 6, 2021

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question

Get help from others!

© 2024 TransWikia.com. All rights reserved. Sites we Love: PCI Database, UKBizDB, Menu Kuliner, Sharing RPP