Shimano

Ultegra FC-6700-G Crankset

Along with the electronic component, Shimano's Ultegra Di2 gets a bit of a facelift with a dark grey finish. This Ultegra FC-6700-G Crankset is a perfect match for the electronic Ultegra Di2 components. But aside from the color, there is no change to the crankset from the standard 6700 unit.

The big deal for this 6700 crankset is the hollow outer chainring. What it gives you is increased stiffness. Rather than build up the spider or add ribs to the chain ring, they used the magic of geometry -- two thin plates fixed together are stiffer and lighter than a thicker single plate. The shape of the inside of the big ring lessens the tendency of the chain to drag on the inside of the big ring when you cross chain from your little ring to the small cog in back. While we don't advocate this particular gear combo, it's nice to know that you won't have to suffer the annoyance of hearing the chain rub if you find yourself here in the heat of battle. Because of the design, there's no chain ring bolt coming through the crankset. Rather, it is threaded from the inside of the small ring to threads in the big ring itself. This is a big part of the sleek look of the crankset.

The Ultegra FC-6700-G Crankset is available as standard or compact. The standard, 130mm bolt circle diameter version comes with a 39/53 combination. The compact, 110mm bolt circle diameter version comes with a 34/50 chain ring combination. Both versions of this crankset can be had with 170, 172.5, or 175mm crankarms.