Wanted: Help - Alps trip - need a Shimano compact chainset

I'm going to the alps in 3 weeks and am in need of a compact, preferably with a 34t chainring.

I'm currently running Ultegra 6700 but would be happy with anything from 105 up, or even SRAM or FSA that will fit. I really only need it for a weeks riding and can't afford a new one just for this trip. If someone has a used one they could lend me, or even sell me on the cheap that would be brilliant.

Can't help on that front I'm afraid, as my bikes are all Campag. However as a cheaper alternative to a new chainset, have you thought about whacking on a new cassette with some dinner-plate sized cogs (and perhaps a long-cage mech?)

Should work for most mountains, unless you plan on spinning like Wiggins all the way?

I'm currently running 39-25, which is fine for the short hills here, but will be switching to an 11-28 for the trip, preferably matched to a 34t front!

A SRAM Rival 12-32 and a 105 long cage derailleur would still set me back nearly £90. I can buy a new 105 compact chainset for £105 off Ribble, though I'd still need a 12-28 which is another £35 to get the same gear as 39-32. £90 vs £140, hmmmmmm..

To be honest I was hoping someone here had a compact in their spares box they'd sell me on the cheap.

Why rule out a Campag chainset as it'll work perfectly fine with the Shimano other components?

I suggest eg 14- 27 or at least something less than the 11 as you don't need that. Not sure if you're on 9 or 10 speed.

What size frame do you need as I may be able to lend a bike......with triples, or compacts. Pm if interested

14-27 would work with a 34 up front, I've just been specifying 11 or 12-28 as that's the size most seem to come in. SRAM does a 12-32 that looks like a cheap option with a 105 rear mech.

Campag would work but it's ugly as sin and Italian to boot ;)

Thanks for the offer of a bike but I'll be taking mine. I'd feel like I was cheating on her if I used another in the Alps! Besides, she's never been to France and I'm sure she would get a lot out of the experience...

I have an Ultegra compact(Blue/gunmetal finish) with 50/34 middleburn rings (blue anodised) complete with bottom bracket (I think). Rings in good condition with some heel rub to the cranks. £60 inc. postage. PM me with email address for pictures. Cheers, Geoffrey

Have you checked Spa? They do cheap compacts, their own brand stuff has the Sugino logo stamped into the back. Square taper though.

New cassette= new chain too...............

I've only done 800 miles on the chain/cassette, so was hoping I could get away without changing it... Will this be ok? Or will I be clickety clacking all over the shop?

At this stage the cheapest option seems to be a SRAM Apex 12-32 cassette and a Tiagra long cage rear mech that will give me 39-32, or 33 gear inches. It's not top of the line kit but it should get me through the trip just fine.

Even if I get a compact I'd still need to lower the rear cassette from a 25 to 28 to get 33 gear inches, costing additional monies..