Fairly new to the road and have been ridding a Shimano Ultegra triple (rings 30/42/52 cassette 12-27). I would like to know peoples opinion of the FSA Compact Crank. I am looking to keep about the same range of gears I presently have but reduce weight and improve quality. Is there any reason to switch the rings that come with the crank? Who makes cassettes with a large range and which do people recommend. Anything else that would be pertinent will be appreciated.

If you want about the same gearing range you should keep the triple. The high gear is no problem with a 50x11 but to match the low end you are going to need about a 30 low which would create very wide gaps on the cassette which kind of defeats the purpose of the compact crank design.

Hit the gym all winter so you can ride 53/39 and a 11-19 cassette. WAAY lighter

Just kidding, the compact is not nearly as useful as a triple. Do you really need all those gears though. Seriously think about it

With an 12-26/11-25 cassette you can ride everywhere.

Thats not really true is it? if you are 200lbs > and not fit a 39x25T aint gonna cut it is it?

I meant 34*25/26, so it's like 39*29/30; when you're well trained you you can use this everywhere except for Angliru, Zoncolan,...