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I have a tatty giant hardtail that i run with semi-slicks for occasional commuting, that is effectively a mountain bike - xt shifters, deore mechs, 44-32-22 chainset, 32-11 cassette, etc. I'd like a) a higher range of gears and b) a closer spaced range of gears - can i simply bang a road cassette and compact chainset on and still use the MTB shifters and mechs, or will i have some sort of compatibility issues?? All would be 9spd.
If it's all 9spd it'll be fine, but you'll probably want to shorten the chain a bit
Sorry, just read the compact chainset bit. You may have to do some messing about with the front mech, but you should be able to get all to work.
Just get a 48T chainring off a 'Trekking' set and a cassette of your choice.
A 48x11 should be more than enough for over 40mph.
Front mech will need to be raised (e-type will not work as it is preset for 44T).
Adjust chain length (fit new if too short) and ride.
PaulD
It had crossed my mind Paul but I need a new middle ring anyway so a whole chainset kinda makes more sense and there's plenty of compacts on ebay. I'll have a look at chainrings on ebay tonight though as it may be just as cost effective to do what you've suggested + a new middle ring.
You will need to check the clearance if you put a road chainset on an MTB frame. You may get the crank arm touching the chainstay.
And if you've got a 73mm shell it won't fit at all.
And if you've got a 73mm shell it won't fit at all.
In what way won't it fit?
(genuine question - not a challenge!)
Road crankset axle is correct for 68mm shell and the 2 bearings.
MTB crankset axle is correct for 73mm shell and 1x 2.5mm spacer (for chaindevice or e-type mech) and the 2 bearings.
The bearings are identical, but a road crankset will not fit a 73mm or larger shell.
PaulD
TA Specialities do a 50t ring to fit MTB cranks. I think I got mine from UK Bikestore, but then found out my local bike shop do them too.
Best option is to get a treking 48,36,26 chainset, with a compact chainset on an mtb you have potential for:-
1. Chainrings or arms fouling frame
2. chainline differences rendering front mech useless & road front mechs don't work with mtb shifters.