Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - A new bike: Cranks/Chainrings options?

I'm putting together a surly steamroller, and I can't decide what sort of cranks to put on it. The reason I'm putting this bike together is because I ruined my other one when the chain popped off (the chain came off the chainring, locked up the rear wheel, then started to pull the chainring sideways, then torqed the entire frame).

As far as cranks, I'm looking for 175's (I'm tall, they fit well), a bolt pattern that'll fit the chainring, and not much more than $100 (less the better). For chainrings, I'd like something round, where the tension will be even and not pop off when I'm spinning down those crazy hills around here. Oh yes, cheaper the better, but I'll pay for something that's worth it.

Thanks for the help.

175 is long... not sure but you might have trouble finding dedicated single-speed cranks. you could always convert a double though.

edit: apparently not

http://irocycle.com/iro/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_5&products_id=14

I second the IRO cranks. The sugino RDs are nice too. Harris has them for $70 with a chainring. You'll probably have to buy a new bottom bracket though.

i didn't know the rd's were available in 175... i have a friend with the iro's, and i prefer the feel of my rd's, as does he.

Get some nice used square taper road cranks or save for Sugino 75s.

I use bulletproof cranks on my steamroller. For the cost they're just fine.

Bad cranks are no fun. Climbing and feeling all that slush is just no good.

I use bulletproof cranks on my steamroller. For the cost they're just fine.

have you found any way to get the lettering off the crank arms?

Steel wool. 0000 grade.

seriously?
i've been trying for a while but i'm scared of scratching the cranks.

Put some oil or AL polish on the steel wool and it will polish without scratching.

have you found any way to get the lettering off the crank arms?

exacto knife or similar. i also hear oven cleaner works.

and irocycle.com got an overhaul, yes!

I bought the RD's + bottom bracket from Harris and in my opinion they are well worth the money. The IRO's are probably about the same but I think they are a little cheaper but also have a smaller chainring. I probably have 1000 miles on the RD's and no problems so far.

I just can't justify putting some 75's on my steamroller, the frame just isn't deserving. Those IRO's, however, seem to be exactly what I'm looking for (the RD's don't come in 175mm). Are the chainrings high quality (i.e., round)?

I haven't bought a bottom barcket, so no worries about buying a new one. Actually, the more I think about it, the more I want those IROs. Anyone have any objections?

no out-and-out objections to the iro cranks, but the sugino rd's DO come in 175 - i didn't think they did, either, but then someone pointed out the link to harris cyclery.

i think that any bike you love is deserving of a sweet crank set. don't avoid the sugino 75 just because you think the steamroller isn't "deserving." if that's what you really want, you should go for them! ride what you like and **** anyone who says there's something wrong with that

Actually, I'm avoiding the 75's because they're too expensive, and I wouldn't shell out that kind of cash unless the bike needed a pair. I think that some RD's or some IRO's will fit the bill, they seem pretty similar (RD's have a 48 tooth ring, IRO's got a 46). Anyone have an informed opinion either way?

I've got 75's on my low-end fuji track frame. A steamroller is way nicer than that! Anyway RD's or IRO's will be great. But 75's are the ultrajam.

I'm guessing I could find this if I searched hard enough, but is there some common knowledge that the IRO's are just rebadged somethingorothers?

I just can't justify putting some 75's on my steamroller, the frame just isn't deserving.


I have no personal experience, but i've heard of people having chainline/clearance issues with the 144bcd cranks on the steamroller. Might try to score some used square taper xt/xtr cranks- 110 bcd rings are easy to find in almost any size.

I have no personal experience, but i've heard of people having chainline/clearance issues with the 144bcd cranks on the steamroller. Might try to score some used square taper xt/xtr cranks- 110 bcd rings are easy to find in almost any size.
That's probably a lot less of a problem with more recent models, which have manipulated chainstays that allow huge chainrings (>50t). If your Steamroller is older though, you might have to take that into account.

I saw two pairs of used Sugino 75s go for less than
$100 in a past few weeks. It couldn't hurt to look,
and if you upgrade your frame at some point, you
wouldn't even have to consider a new crankset.

The steamroller's brand new, and I really want to ride it. 75's would be great, no doubt, but I haven't seem any good deals recently and I don't want to wait it out too long (right now I'm getting around on my road bike, which is no fun). And don't 75's come with 1/8 chainrings? I'm all set up for 3/32, and a new chainring would cost some $...

I think it's still RD vs. IRO, unless there's some great deal on some 175 75's.

Thanks for all the help, I think I'm pretty close.

don't 75's come with 1/8 chainrings? I'm all set up for 3/32, and a new chainring would cost some $...


Check the trade thread. Lots of Sugino 75 and other 144bcd 3/32 rings floating around. I have a Sugino 75 one I'd be happy to part with for an interesting trade.

There are also Sugino 75 road cranks that come in 175 with a 130 bcd. I own a set that I'm running on my Cross Check. Cost me $40 used plus $10 for a new ring.

http://velospace.org/files/crosschecksidesmall.jpg

That's probably a lot less of a problem with more recent models, which have manipulated chainstays that allow huge chainrings (>50t). If your Steamroller is older though, you might have to take that into account.

Probably the case- the bike i'm thinking of one of the old brown models, with serious gouges on the chainstay from the inside of the crank & chainring.

How about the Sugino Track XD crankset? Does anyone know the difference between them and the RD? I know they cost a little more. But I have never seen any write-up on them, or the differences.

i have heard that they are road doubles with the inner chainring removed... i am not sure if it is true.

someone can drop some knowledge, maybe

Used Sugino 75s with 175mm length will go for a lot cheaper that shorter length cranks. Most people want shorter cranks on their track bikes, so the longer ones tend to go for cheaper on ebay.

Id be a little concerned about the low bottom bracket of
the SteamRoller and 175's (???)

How about the Sugino Track XD crankset? Does anyone know the difference between them and the RD? I know they cost a little more. But I have never seen any write-up on them, or the differences.
I believe that the XD's are 110 BCD, and the RD's are 130.

I have Suntour Superbe Pros NOS in box for grabs ..and yes 175mm.

PM me for details.

S/F,
CEYA!