horizondesire

I suspect its been covered ad nauseam and apologize in advance...

I am running a '08 Tarmac Expert with a few upgrades; mostly Dura Ace drivetrain. I ride almost exclusively hills, typically 20 to 50 miles at a time. I am considering going with a compact up front as I have some "useless" gears (yes, at 41, I have pretty much no use for a 53/12 gear).

I have had a bit of exposure to FSA and SRAM on previous bikes several years back. I have never used Campy (nor can I spell it!). I dont want to necessarily lock into a Shimano up front, but am considering the 7950.

I am also looking at the 6750 (Ultegra). For the difference in price, the Dura Ace only saves me 160 grams... as great as that is, I wonder if that money may be better served toward on a new rear wheel or wheelset.

opinions?

2ndGen

Going from a poor OEM crankset for me made a huge difference.
Going to a great wheelset also did, but the crankset was about 1/3
the cost of the wheelset (if money is a major concern).
_________________________________________________
Ultegra SL Crankset...
Stiffer than a Dura Ace 7800 crankset.
Great reviews.
About 850g.
Beautiful.
Cheap.

I love mine. I loved it so much, I upgraded the rings to 7800
rings and am upgrading it again with a set or Praxis rings.

I'm using a Dura Ace 7800 BB. The origional rings were gorgeous on my bike,
but I wanted a Dura Ace to Dura Ace connection with my drivetrain.
Going with Praxis only makes it better.

And...it should drop right into your current drivetrain with zero issues.
Aesthetically? IMO, I think they are the most beautiful set made w/Campy a close 2nd.
Performance-wise, it's often compared to cranksets costing 3X as much.

Good find (they can be found as low as $99.,
but average between $150.-$200. new with BB)...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Shimano-Ultegra-SL-FC-6601G-52-39-Crankset-w-BB-172-5mm-/190575559403?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c5f3042eb#ht_500wt_1050" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Reviews...
https://www.bicycling.com/gearfinderp...ail?gfid=11028

https://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/cranksets/product/review-shimano-ultegra-sl-fc-6601-g-crankset-08-27762/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

W/Stock Chainrings...

First upgrade set-up...



My current upgraded Ultegra SL Crankset with Praxis Chainrings and Far & Near Bolts:

(about 765g as shown)

lhorn

Sorry this is a newb question. I had no idea this line of components existed.
If it's lighter and cheaper, why would someone get regular Ultegra? What's the downside to the SL line?
Thanks.

2ndGen

No downside...upside in fact.
Ultegra SL is slightly lighter than Ultegra and has the Ice Grey finish.
Either way, both Ultegra and Ultegra SL perform remarkably close to Dura Ace 7800.
As to why anybody would get regular Ultegra? Personal preference.

Campag4life

Agree with 2ndGen about Ultegra cranks. About as good as it gets bang for buck. That said, cranks as with frameset shape is largely part of the aesthetic that owners base their purchases on because all the near top level cranks work well. Sram Force/Red, Cannondale, Shimano...they all work fine. I love the preload adjustment and thru spindle design of Shimano cranks but am not as keen on the appearance of them...tho have to say I like the aesthetic of Gen's third iteration with solid black rings. Others may love the appearance so this is a personal call.
If you like the look, Ultegra cranks are hard to beat.

2ndGen

A) Thanks. Took a a little bit of "musical chainrings" to get there, but they are done.

B) Yeah, Ultegra SL is hard to beat.

Rubo

I like Sora 875 g as well cost new $60
cheapest SL 850g I found $230

difference in price is significant.Weight difference negligible.If you are on budget (who is not on this economy)
buy sora.

mazdaspeed

Why are the ultegra cranks so heavy?

divide_by_0

The Ultegra SL seem to be just a bit heavier than the Dura Ace... hence the interest; about half the price for a nearly identical product.

anyone have experienec with the FSA SL-K Light? I understand thats an option, but not sure if the BB will fit in my frame (which has a Dura Ace in it).

2ndGen

They are only about 50g more than Dura Ace 7800.
But, they have been tested to be stiffer.
(and IMO, are nicer aesthetically)

Corrections according WW:
Dura Ace 7800 761g
Ultegra SL 811g

My Custom Ultegra SL Crankset is at 771g VS 761g for an OEM Dura Ace 7800 Crankset.
(Ultegra SL Crankarms, Praxis Rings, Far & Near Bolts, Dura Ace 7800 BB).

mazdaspeed

FWIW I just weighed my new campagnolo veloce 175mm compact crankset and it's 757g Honestly a bit surprised.

canam73

With or without BB?

divide_by_0

Just swapped my Dura Ace 7800 Standard (53/39) for the Ultegra SL 6650 Compact (50/34). Weighed both and the DA came in at 673 grams, the SL was 724. The DA had some road grime and dirt on it; probably figure its around 670 flat if clean... the SL was clean.

The DA also has 172.5 mm arms while the SL was 175.

Overall, I gained about 50 grams, but gained a more effective gearset for my riding.

ARPRINCE

Do you need to remove the crankarm totally from the BB to install the CRs or does it just slide in/out? I'm planning to get Praxis for my hollowgram. TIA

Romans8:28

The chain rings come off/go on independent of the crankarms/BB. Just undo the 5 hex head screws and slide the rings off (after removing the chain of course)

2ndGen

And it's stiffer.

2ndGen

Nope. Just slide right over.
It's a huge improvement.