Bicycle Mechanics - Sugino XD 600

I am in need of a new crandset for a bike (Trek 7500) that I am going to use to tour. I am almost ready to order a Shimano XT and then I run across the Sugino XD 600. I have searched the posts here and see several have recommended the Sugino crank. At $75 it certainly is reasonably priced.

Here is the question. What is the quality of the Sugino crank, and will it stand up to long distance loaded touring? I do not want a failure out in the middle of nowhere.

Suguino has been making high quality cranks for decades. You will not go wrong buying one and, as noted, the price is very attractive. No worries.

I just bought and installed a Sugino crank to replace another Sugino that was original equipment on a Cannondale Killer V 900 that I bought in 1994. The old Sugino was a 22x32x42, and the new one is a 26x36x46. I do not think you'll be disappointed with Sugino, if you do decide to go with one.

By the way, my old 22x32x42 did not fail, I replaced it b/cos I wanted higher gears.

I totally recommend Sugino. And I am not easily impressed.

Regards,

Hi "lighthorse"

For touring? The Sugino is OK. But will not hang with an upper Shimano Treated or the Campy family. You get what you pay for...

You will find the lower quality alloy will have more of a flex when climbing steep hills. By that you can sometimes get the chain on the outer chainwheel to sometimes rub the derailleur. As for having it fail? That won't ever happen. In 35yrs I have seen maybe 8 cranks fall into the senerio.

Sugino makes quality stuff--- way better than Campy or Shimano low end for the same money. Not the top shelf-- but for a Trek 7500, plenty good enough.

Don't let a few odd ducks tell you otherwise; but the Sugino is a much better crank then others are in the same price range and especially better then the XT, and in fact are probably the best cranks for touring. Sugino also makes a better crank then the 600 called the XD2 165 (also intended for touring) that cost about $30 more if you got the cash, otherwise the 600 is a great choice.

Another option you might want to explore is the XD300. It's $30 less than the XD600 and the only difference is that the chainrings are steel instead of aluminum. I have this on my beater and it's very nice. Probably last a lot longer than the Al version. Harris has them here:

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/cranks.html

what is wrong with the original crankset?

Thanks all for your responses. The old crandset is rusting, plating coming off, and the rings are worn. The 7500 is getting a complete rebuild.

The Sugino will easily stand up to touring loads. They are a great crank even for more than they sell for. Except for some OEM cranks they make, most accept the square spline BB spindle designs, which is old school, but still widely available and perfectly good. They also make some of the cranks sold under the Stronglight brand.

Unlike other cranks, having square splined BBs means easily sourced replacements, which is a far more likely occurence when you are out in the middle of nowhere.