Do You Need A Subcompact Chainset?

If you struggle on the hills and yearn for a granny ring then the new wave of low-ratio chainsets could be just what you need.

- Simon Smythe and Paul Norman

The subcompact or super compact is the latest gearing system to gain traction — especially in the world of gravel or all-road cycling. With even lower ratios than the original compact, which used a double 50/34 set-up, a subcompact chainset runs 46/32 or even lower. Big names in original equipment manufacture such as FSA, Rotor, Praxis and White Industries, are launching new subcompact chainsets and chainrings, which surely signals that there’s a market beyond adventure riding for super-low ratios.

“Yes, 48/32 and 46/32 were for gravel bikes in the beginning,” says Maurizio Bellin, general manager of FSA. “Then we realised the huge request for this kind of chainring option for the road market also. We receive several requests everyday via the website asking for more information about them.”