Bicycle Mechanics - Replacing Crank

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pkpsu
02-26-09, 04:19 PM
I should mention I'm new to working on my bike myself, which I'm sure will become self evident from the following.

bike - 08 specialized allez

I striped the threads of my sugino crank while trying to take it off to clean/regrease, stupid mistake, I cross threaded my crank puller. The question is I have an old shimano "golden arrow" crank that is in perfect condition and just a touch smaller in length. Can I use this till I get the money to buy a new crank all together? Anything I should be weary of?

Side note - any tips on tensioning brake/deraileur cables w/o using a 4th hand tool or should I just pony up the cash for the tool?

operator
02-26-09, 06:13 PM
You will notice the difference in crank length, maybe enough to cause discomfort/pain to your knees if you're already fit perfectly. Tensioning brake cables just squeeze the calipers close with one hand and tighten the fixing bolt with your other. Derailleur cables you should be able to place in the correct spot with one hand and tighten bolt with other.

Hardly anyone in the shop ever uses a 4th hand tool except for some difficult brake combos. It's just faster.
tellyho
02-27-09, 07:47 AM
You will notice the difference in crank length, maybe enough to cause discomfort/pain to your knees if you're already fit perfectly.

I disagree. Unless you're riding multiple hundreds of miles a week, I don't think you'd notice this change. However, what I suspect you'd notice is when your skinny chain drops between the chainrings on the Golden Arrow crank. May not be an issue - I'd check before I popped it on.