Compact Cranks vs Standard Cranks vs Triple Cranks

What is the real difference between compact cranks vs standard cranks vs triple cranks… What are the Pros and Cons of each?

For simplicity and comparison sake we have assumed that the rear cassette is the same.

Standard Cranks

General

• The most common standard cranks are 53 teeth on the large chain ring and 39 teeth on the small chain ring – though other options do exist.

Pros

• Best for flat and undulating terrain
• Most efficient at same speed because a standard crank uses a larger front chain ring and larger rear cog meaning there is less friction due to the chain going around a larger circle
• Best if you are trying to go fast down a hill as you have a higher top gear

Cons

• The most difficult to get up hills
• Often have to change the front chain ring at the same time as the rear cassette effectively yanking the chain in different directions at the same time straining it a bit more
• People get sucked into standard cranks because of ego, they do not want to admit they need a compact. Don’t be that guy/girl.

Compact Cranks

General

• The most common compact cranks are 50 teeth on the large chain ring and 34 teeth on the small chain ring – though other options do exist.

Pros

• Compacts may get you up that hill that defeated you last time if switching from standard cranks
• Best used for hilly terrain
• Can keep your legs fresher as you keep a higher cadence going uphill instead of grinding it out

Cons

• Your top gear is slightly smaller; therefore, you are not able to go quite as fast down hills (only important if racing)
• Less efficient than standard cranks as there is slightly more friction with the chain
• Drop chain off front derailleur more often under power due to a larger jump from big ring to smaller ring
• Not as easy to get up hills as triple cranks

Triple Cranks

General

• The most common triple cranks are 50 teeth on the large chain ring, 39 teeth on the middle chain ring and 30 teeth on the small chain ring – though other options do exist.

Pros

• Easiest option for going uphill as they have the lowest gear ratio
• Still have a high gear ratio to be able to go fast
• Most options for gear ratios

Cons

• Easier to get up hills than double cranks
• Constantly using front derailleur and changing gears
• Can’t use all of the gears and beginners have a harder time using the gears properly without creating a lot of chain rub
• Least efficient crank set in terms of friction
• Some people believe that triple cranks as more finicky to adjust and maintain
• Many gear ratios are overlaps

Recommendation

If you are a strong rider and/or you do not plan to go up steep grades very often then standard cranks are likely your best bet.

If you are a casual rider and/or you want to do hill climbing then consider a compact.

If you are a weaker rider and/or you plan to tour with weight and do hill climbs then consider triple cranks.

Traditionally, entry level road bikes come with a compact or a triple and high end bikes come with a standard or a compact and this is done for good reason as you develop as a rider then you can build up to a standard crank.

Additionally, it is cheaper and easier to change your rear cassette than to change your cranks; therefore, if you find you need a couple extra gears try to go to a larger rear cassette. ie. You currently have a rear cassette that is 12 – 25 purchase one that is 12 – 28. See if that is enough before changing cranks all together.

For the record I use compact cranks, I believe I am a strong rider but I LOVE hills and need a couple easier gears for the steep stuff.

What do you use? Why?