Replacing a double with a compact chain set?

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

Hi, all

need to tap into your expertise yet again...

is this a straight forward job of just removing the one and putting on the other? anything I need to know before I attempt it? Iwant to swap a 53/39 with a 50/34 - presumably I will have to shorten the chain by a link or two but anything else?

Thanks in anticipation

Jon

[George]

just shorten the chain and lower the front mech hanger then start spinning those legs

[Mike I]

You might need to replace the front mech for one with a longer cage. Try it with the existing one first though and see if the chain rubs the bottom of the cage when you're on the inner ring.

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

thanks, fellas

wish me luck!

here goes...