compact versus double whats the difference

[HLaB]

mikey thanks for explaining I contacted chain reaction and they said that the apex 53/39 with 11/32 works ok.The only problem being I have only ever used shimano.What do you guys think of this setup and what does the apex groupset fell like.I am looking from the point of view of 100 mile sportives across hilly countryside.Any views appreciated

Jackthelad

If its any help all my 8sp shimano cassettes were changed for SRAM (they do a better gear range IMO) and they work just fine; I don't know if your exiting derailleur could handle the 11-32 and you might need to change that too. If you are planning on getting a new derailleur anyway, that sounds like a good range

 

[jay clock]

I have a 50/34 and need it because I am a) a spinner and b) crap on hills. I can easily hit a steady 34kmh on the flat on my 34 chain ring using the smaller rear cogs. Using the 50 up front I am not sure at what speed I run out of gears but well over kmh. So I would only need massive front ring for huge downhills.

Another option is actually a triple that I used to have. This was 50/39/30. The 39 would cope with pretty much all day on the flat, and most hills. The 30 is a get out of jail card. and the 50 is big enough for most riders.


I belong to a tri club and I doubt if more than 3% of the riders need a 39/53 set up to cope with their massive speed or hill climbing ability

 

[jackthelad]

Jay and hlab thanks again for the info, I think it is just me looking for something different,I have a few bikes 1 being a tricross with 50/39/30 and changed the rear derailler for 105 12/25 cassette instead of the 11/32 and deore lx derailler.This is a new build where I have bought the frame and looking at a different type of groupset, basically just for a change.