The jumps between gears is what I dislike. An 11-28 would have less of a change between gear ratios, and a smaller crank would offset the decrease in cog sizes. Theoretically, I’m guessing. I’ve never ridden anything like what I’m talking about so I could be way off base.
sweet merciful lord let it be true[/quote]
Weirdly I want this to be true as well but then I remember that I don’t actually like the Q factor of road cranks and would probably just use MTB cranks on a ditherer[/quote]
If you dont mind crappy old cranks, the old Sora and similar triple stuff runs a 30 easily on the inside, maybe even lower. I have two bikes set up like this currently as beater bikes with 30/40 on the inner two rings. Also was riding with a buddy the other day, he had replaced the FSA crank on his Seqouia with an Ultregra 50/34 and altho we were hauling with tail-wind, he was no where close to the small cogs on the back. A 44 or 46 looked like it would have been heaps for 99% of applications.
Stopped by the shop and fred popped it on, actually looks decent I think with all the other mixed black + silver going on my bike, rides well so far:
I love my 46/34 11-28, worked great even with lightly loaded gravel touring in the Cascades. Really wanted a 46/30 but now that I live in a place with no long climbs not sure I’ll need it.
The ProTip here is to get the select few hollow forged triple cranks with 130/74 BCD instead of the 130BCD ones that attach the granny to the middle ring. Depending on your aesthetic you can either lose the big ring or replace it with a guard, like an ultralight BBG ring. Road-Q, DA9000 BB, lighter arms.
FC-7803/6703 put the granny on the middle ring
FC-5603/5703/6603 put the granny on its own BCD
The ProTip here is to get the select few hollow forged triple cranks with 130/74 BCD instead of the 130BCD ones that attach the granny to the middle ring. Depending on your aesthetic you can either lose the big ring or replace it with a guard, like an ultralight BBG ring. Road-Q, DA9000 BB, lighter arms.
FC-7803/6703 put the granny on the middle ring
FC-5603/5703/6603 put the granny on its own BCD[/quote]
I have a near new tiagara 30/40/50 I think, they way everything is hanging off everytime else just pisses me off. Have not found a use for it yet. I don’t mind the way it looks but it sure is heavy.
sweet merciful lord let it be true[/quote]
Shimano insiders tell me that a subcompact 105 crank is in the works for the 5900 (never generation of 105). In fact, it’s part of a whole “gravel” group, replete with clutch-type road derailleur (FUCKING FINALLY). Unfortunately, it’s at least two years away, probably more.
I was stupid and didn’t ask if an Ultegra crank was planned, but the introduction of the FSA jawn will probably mean pressure from Trek (who hardly makes any frames which would be compatible with BB386, any generally doesn’t spec any FSA components) to have something similar, and since Trek is the tail wagging Shimano’s dog these days, I wouldn’t be surprised if a non-series subcompact showed up for MY18.
the cranks I posted do turn up occasionally, but they’re not super common.
FC-R563/FC-3403/FC-3503/FC-4503 has 130/74 but non hollow arms. cheaper/heavier.
FC-R603 is hollow arm tandem crankset, dunno about BCD, probably 130/92 with granny off the middle.
Come on FC-R693!
Can confirm 3503 is heavy! But interesting to know its nerdable. Anyone want it, or the rest of the 3x9 flatbar group?
one day I will find a 180mm compact square taper wired srm, and I will put it on my fop chariot
Nerds…
I fucked up and didn’t order Mr. Townie’s crank. I’m trying to justify a 2nd 8 unit order from Sugino bros.
Halp?
Cmon
Can’t you wait like a couple months
I’ll live. I can also order one from Merry Sales - I just don’t want to.
Merry doesn’t come in black
Oh yeah, that’s why I didn’t get one from them. Bummer. Guess I’ll wait.