A compact crank with 50 and 34 teeth is now also available for the new "Dura-Ace" groupset from Shimano. A special rear derailleur with a longer cage or a different front derailleur are not required for the conversion. Apart from the bolt circle, the "FC-7950" is identical to its big sister and also has the hollow large chainring. In the test, the crank was consistently convincing, even under load the shifting behaviour remained typical Shimano problem-free. The fact that the front derailleur of the new groupset does not require any additional trimming steps pays off particularly well with the big jump in the compact version. The crank weighs 660 grams, around 10 grams more than the 52/39 version. According to importer Paul Lange, it will cost 599.95 euros and is available in lengths from 165 to 180 millimetres (in 2.5 millimetre increments).
PLUS: great shifting behaviour; no major conversions of rear derailleur or front derailleur necessary
MINUSSlightly heavier than the 51/39 standard version
Reference/InfoPaul Lange, telephone 0711/2588-02, www.paul-lange.dePrice: 599,95 Euro
Photo: Ronny Kiaulehn
