Hybrid Bicycles - Trek 7.2 FX Crank Upgrade Alternatives

The stock M191 has to go. It's fugly and makes annoying creaking sounds. I temporarily swapped it for an old Sakae crank, and the ride felt much better (real or perceived). However, the donor bike could not keep the M191, due to chainline/BB issues.

I now have an excuse to buy something. I'd love to put a compact on, but that would require either a drop bar conversion or specialized flat bar road junk, and would cost mucho dinero. I'd rather put that dough into new wheels for my main ride.

So, hybrid triple it is. Surprisingly, choices appear very limited. Currently, my top candidate is the Sugino XD600 26-36-46. Quality construction and nice looks for ~$100. The only other option I've really seen in that category is maybe a Deore, and my gumption is that the Sugino is a better deal. Plus, I have the tools for square taper already, and my main ride uses square taper.

Are there any cranks out there that can beat the XD600 in terms of bang for the buck? Keep in mind tooling costs if it is not square taper. Thanks! Meanwhile, I should probably check Ebay...hmm...

The stock M191 has to go. It's fugly and makes annoying creaking sounds. I temporarily swapped it for an old Sakae crank, and the ride felt much better (real or perceived). However, the donor bike could not keep the M191, due to chainline/BB issues.

I now have an excuse to buy something. I'd love to put a compact on, but that would require either a drop bar conversion or specialized flat bar road junk, and would cost mucho dinero. I'd rather put that dough into new wheels for my main ride.

So, hybrid triple it is. Surprisingly, choices appear very limited. Currently, my top candidate is the Sugino XD600 26-36-46. Quality construction and nice looks for ~$100. The only other option I've really seen in that category is maybe a Deore, and my gumption is that the Sugino is a better deal. Plus, I have the tools for square taper already, and my main ride uses square taper.

Are there any cranks out there that can beat the XD600 in terms of bang for the buck? Keep in mind tooling costs if it is not square taper. Thanks! Meanwhile, I should probably check Ebay...hmm...

I think my '07 Sirrus uses the Sugino XD600. For a budget crank the finish is quite nice. :thumb:

I just installed the Truvativ FireX 3.3 on my hybrid Trek 6500 conversion. It is available in 48-36-26 gearing which is suitable for hybrids and touring applications. It includes a GXP XR bottom bracket. They can be found online from $85 to $105. So far I am happy with it.
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I did an Ultegra 6603 on my Trek 7.5 FX. Bet the price has dropped through the floor boards. Runs like a Cougar after Mrs. Gulch's bicycle! Check it out. Bet the chain-line is identical.

I did an Ultegra 6603 on my Trek 7.5 FX. Bet the price has dropped through the floor boards. Runs like a Cougar after Mrs. Gulch's bicycle! Check it out. Bet the chain-line is identical.

Are you using the mountain shifters and a FD designed for a max 48t with the 50-53ish large chainring? If not, what did you change?

I am using a Shimano XTR dual-pull FD - with a rating of 44 - 48T MAX. On the 53 - 39 - 30 Ultegra, it shifts perfectly. I didn't think it would work, but I had one in my stock - so I tried it. Smooth and quiet. For shifters I use SRAM Attack 9spd.

Interesting. Good to know for future reference. I think for now I am better off going lower than higher. No need to make my hybrid more like a road bike now that I have a road bike. I figure putting the 700x35s back on and either keeping a 28/38/48 or going with the Sugino's 26/26/46 will allow me to do light trails if I ever get a hankerin'. Thanks for the feedback, regardless.