Hi there,

I'm expanding my range of riding from MTB and this is my first post, so please be patient.

I've been looking for a long time to get a road bike, and I finally decided to get this http://www.riteway-jp.com/felt/index.htm (the Z70) after finding a demo model heavily discounted.

I haven't picked it up yet (still have to hand over another $1000 :( ), but I was wondering about the triple and the 172.5mm crank length. I'm 6ft tall and my MTB has 175mm cranks. I've read that riding on shorter than normal cranks isn't good for the knees (mine are bad to begin with). Does anyone know if there is any truth in this?

I live in a flat area, and I don't really see the need for a triple. Also, I've read terrible things about the gossamer crankset in the review section. Do you think I'd be better off swapping it out for a double before I start riding, or just ride it as-is? I do a lot of MTB riding, and I'm planning to do the same with my Felt. I'm not weight obsessed though.

Also, if I do change the crank, can I still use the triple ultegra rear mech with a double front (maybe compact) crank?

I'd be grateful for your help. My LBS is Japanese, and I couldn't quite ask all that (or understand the answers) with my broken Nihongo!

Cheers,
N.

MTB cranks tend to be sizes a little larger... Being 6' i'd think you fall right between the two... it's going to be really hard to tell without getting a fancy fit job which is best. Both might be fine for you. Ridding anything that doesn't fit is bad. I'd rather ride cranks slightly too short then too long...

If you want the double, as them to swap it out... Most decent shops will allow you to upgrade components but since yours is a demo you might have to buy it (they might install for free though)

As for your rear derailurer working with the tripple, do a search in the 'Components and Wreenching' area. if you can't find that info (pretty sure its been well covered) post your question there... I'm not advanced enough to give you a straight answer... It worked fine on my CX bike but i'm running and XT rear derailurer... Also i think some of shimano's Brifters work with double and tripple (i know 105 does) but think some don't...

If you've got the tripple don't get the compact... it's basically an ego savior for guys needing a tripple but want the traditional look of the double. (i might catch some flack for that one)

Hi there,

I'm expanding my range of riding from MTB and this is my first post, so please be patient.

I've been looking for a long time to get a road bike, and I finally decided to get this http://www.riteway-jp.com/felt/index.htm (the Z70) after finding a demo model heavily discounted.

I haven't picked it up yet (still have to hand over another $1000 :( ), but I was wondering about the triple and the 172.5mm crank length. I'm 6ft tall and my MTB has 175mm cranks. I've read that riding on shorter than normal cranks isn't good for the knees (mine are bad to begin with). Does anyone know if there is any truth in this?

I live in a flat area, and I don't really see the need for a triple. Also, I've read terrible things about the gossamer crankset in the review section. Do you think I'd be better off swapping it out for a double before I start riding, or just ride it as-is? I do a lot of MTB riding, and I'm planning to do the same with my Felt. I'm not weight obsessed though.

Also, if I do change the crank, can I still use the triple ultegra rear mech with a double front (maybe compact) crank?

I'd be grateful for your help. My LBS is Japanese, and I couldn't quite ask all that (or understand the answers) with my broken Nihongo!

Cheers,
N.

Thanks for that dfleck, I'll pick up a 175mm double.
Cheers,
N.