Changing from 53 to 50 chainring...what do I do??

[anneslam]

I want to put a compact 50/34 crankarm set up on my bike and take off the 53/39.
can someone give me details of what I need to do? I have bought the appropiate BB. I want to know the other changes....FD and chain length....and what alterations I need there.
thanks
anne

 

[ghsmith54]

I want to put a compact 50/34 crankarm set up on my bike and take off the 53/39.
can someone give me details of what I need to do? I have bought the appropiate BB. I want to know the other changes....FD and chain length....and what alterations I need there.
thanks
anne

You've mentioned the two things you need to do: move the front derailleur down so that it is 1-2 mm away from the 50 chainring and take a few links out of the chain. For correct chain length see:

http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQchainlength.shtml

Greg