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NEW! Shimano FC-R700

An aluminum compact drive crankset with 50T–34T


Posted: 6 September 2005
by Guy Andrews

compact has landed
Shimano get's up to speed

Shimano Press release
Shimano introduces an aluminum Compact Drive Crankset with a 50 – 34 teeth chainring combination. This will be the perfect product for all those sporty road racers who don’t need a 52 or 53 chainring in front but prefer a lower gear ratio.

This compact crankset (model name FC-R700) can be combined with all existing Shimano 10-speed road racing groupsets without the need for a new front derailleur or Dual Control Lever. Just assemble the crankset, adjust the front derailleur and chain length and you are ready to go! This HOLLOWTECH II crankset will not carry a specific component group logo and the color is silver so perfect to combine with any of Shimano’s 10-speed groups (Dura-Ace, Ultegra and new Shimano 105).

The bolt circle diameter of this compact crank is 110mm, compared to 130mm for the other double Shimano road racing cranksets. Crankarm and chainrings are both made of anodized aluminum. They will be available in lengths 165 / 170 / 172,5 and 175mm. Weight is 840g (170mm version).

This compact crankset has been developed using Shimano’s HOLLOWTECH II technology that integrates the crankset and bottom bracket into a single component. The result is weight saving and increased rigidity for an optimal power transfer.

Availability in the market: January 2006


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Looks like this is my answer to Compact posts to fit my Ultegra set up with minimal affect on existing mechs etc. Wonder how much it will be and if January is an accurate date. Is it worth pre-ordering?
Posted: 06/09/2005 19:55

Any reason why this wouldn't work with the old 9 speed groups ?
Posted: 06/09/2005 21:07


m@
Price = £135
And there's no reason why it wouldnt work on 9spd.
Posted: 06/09/2005 21:43


m@
BB = £25 (Standard Ultegra)
Posted: 06/09/2005 21:44

Now all we need is for Campy to go to integrated BB/crank and then the playing field will once again be levelled.
Posted: 07/09/2005 18:38

I heard around the same price as Ultegra, and I agree there should be no issues with 9speed except you might need to use a 10spd front mech

Posted: 09/09/2005 19:36


m@
£135 as I said + BB @ £25.
Posted: 09/09/2005 19:47

Have reserved mine at my LBS. LBS confirms release date Jan'06.

BTW, they also said that if you have 9 speed set up, then this compact will fit but you must use a 10 speed chain.
Posted: 23/09/2005 20:41

Am i correct in saying that 34/27 available with this Compact is equivalent to 39/31 and a Triple 30/27 = 39/35 in terms of theoretical gearing?
Im just debating whether the Compact offers enough options for the Fred Whitton and Etape...but converting to a Triple is mighty expensive.
If M@ reads this he will be wincing (M@ i cant climb!!)
Evans catalogue has R700 advertised already so will ring to see if January release has been brought forward.
Posted: 22/10/2005 07:30


m@
Cant be bothered to work out the ratios, but probably!
In most cases it does offer a better option that triples- they're lighter and also allow the same gear spread without the duplication of gears.

Did you know that Tyler Hamilton used a compact in the Tour mountain stages? He could climb!

I guess Evans have just put it in the catalogue to attract attention, Madison usually stick to the release dates.
Posted: 22/10/2005 08:51

Cheers M@. Reckon i will go for the compact then and work on my fitness and hope i have the ammunition next July up those Cols!
Wonder if my existing Ultegra 10 BB cups are re-useable so i only need the crankset?
Posted: 22/10/2005 10:13


m@
Yes they are.
Posted: 22/10/2005 12:52

Evans mail order helpline message service only.
Their web sales says stock expected 7 - 21 days - unfair if they aren't released until January...
Posted: 22/10/2005 13:10


m@
Just had a gander at the madison b2b site... it says they're instock, but then on each length it says they're out of stock. Doesnt say delivery times on there.
Posted: 22/10/2005 13:22

Why wait for Shimano when there is, Stronglight/FSA/TA that do some excellent compact chainsets. I've also dumped the Triple on a 9-speed for the Compact option.
Posted: 07/11/2005 16:49


m@
You do have a point!
Posted: 07/11/2005 17:20

Because i can re-use my BB cups off my Ultegra 10 and if my Ultegra 10 mechs dont work with it as Shimano say it will then they can have it back!
Posted: 07/11/2005 20:21

Re the bike shop than says you should use a 10 spd chain on a 9 speed set up, they are talking bo**ocks. It won't work! Doh!
Posted: 08/11/2005 11:35

Fitted mine today keepingre my Ultegra 10 BB cups. Ultegra Mechs work a treat on the work stand, hopefully will in real life.
As far as cosmetics go i think it looks well as the big ring is a bit more like Dura Ace in looks than the Ultegra.
Posted: 03/12/2005 20:42

Test rode it this morning and gear changing between front rings sweet as a nut on Ultegra 10 Mechs, 10/10 for Shimano.
Not that you use it but it will run 50-27 and 34-12 with no front mech rub.
Posted: 04/12/2005 12:41

I intend to fit the 12-27 cassette with this compact chainset. Will I need a triple (long) rear derailleur or will the standard derailleur work?
Posted: 04/12/2005 17:37

Standard one works for me. I have a 12-27 fitted.
Posted: 04/12/2005 17:41

Guys,

An update - I went to my LBS today to get a release date for the Shimano compact chainset. Turns out that Shimano have released them early and they had mine there; a few months ago I was told January 06.

Thought I'd let you know...
Posted: 08/12/2005 15:59

The idea of compact is ok but you don't gain much. I have used one for hilly rides since 2003 (they were called touring or fondo sets then) and it works well but I only have one lower gear as the 34/24 is the same ratio as 39/27 so I have gained 34/27 and lost 53/12. That is all for £125. Get a cheaper set and only use it for hilly rides. A cheaper (Shimano) alternative is an MTB or touring cassette with a 30+ bottom sprocket and a long cage mech. Just fit these when you think you might need them and keep your 12/23 cassette for racing and fast riding.
There is more than one way to kill a cat.
Posted: 08/12/2005 17:37

I was chatting at the LBS at the weekend and was advised that Shimano front mechs do not work well with the 16 tooth variance on a compact chainset. I was told that the change was not smooth. They advised that I would need a FSA front mech. As my bike is a new build, this is less of an issue as I have not bought the front mech yet. I was just sounding out opinion as to whether this comment from my LBS is fact or myth.
Posted: 14/12/2005 14:09

My Ultegra 10 Front Mech works fine, no problems at all up to now, the shifting is excellent and no different to the 53/39 i had before.
I have a braze on fitting and it is at the bottom of its adjustment about 3-4mm clearance.
Posted: 14/12/2005 20:41

Has anyone fitted the shimano compact on a 9-speed 105? Did you need to replace anything other than the chainset and BB?

Need 165 crank-arms so I think Shimano is the only compact option.

Phil.
Posted: 15/01/2006 20:20

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