Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - FSA Carbon Track vs. Dura-Ace vs Campy Record

Hey guys!~

Looking for a crankset for my Cinelli Mash build. Narrowed it down to Dura Ace & Campy, but to be honest, I don't feel like paying nearly $500 for a crankset, just because I'm "entering" track racing, and I don't want to spend so much money if it turns out track racing just isn't my thing.

I'm willing to save for DA &/or Campy if it's really worth it over it, but I have a line on the FSA carbon cranks for cheap

Anyways, I was doing some research, and it seems there's quite a few people on BF, and the internet who
A) Do not trust FSA, due to previous problem in FSA Carbon + Vigorelli cranks.
B) Bash without providing conclusive evidence.

Anyone got experience with them?

I will be utilizing this bike mainly for the track, however, I do plan on riding shorter rides (IE the Davis TT run by Wheelworks, and <30 mile rides with this bike).

Moving to Track.

I've used Dura Ace, Campy Record, SRAM Omniums, and Sugino 75s.

Most new track racers won't be strong enough or sensitive enough to discern much of a difference between any of the cranks you've mentioned. But, a good crankset can last for years or decades. So, it would be nice to buy one great crankset and use it for years to come.

The "best bang for the buck" is probably between the Omniums and the Sugino 75s. The Omniums are noted for being very stiff. Riders have nothing but good things to say about these. Sugino 75s are a tried and true system. The bearings are caged ball, so they require some maintenance. But, they are really smooth and become smoother over time.

If you think you will become a powerful sprinter, then maybe consider the Dura Ace or the Omniums. I've heard that you might have to upgrade the bearings of the Omniums. Not a big deal. Based on casual observations, the Dura Ace cranks seem to be the most popular among elite and world-class racers. You can get a silky smooth needle bearing BB for them (BB-7700) or a sealed cartridge BB (BB-7710) which requires much less maintenance. Maybe the Octolink BB (as opposed to square taper) that makes them preferred, either for it's strength or it's compatibility with SRM Power Meters.

Campy is sort of the odd man out. It's always been super high quality stuff. A teammate of mine rides a set of Record Pista cranks from the 70's and they are just as nice as any from today. It seems that Campy made the "cranks to have" in the 70's through the 90's, then Dura Ace took over. Omniums seem to be growing in popularity on the local to the elite levels.

I like Dura Ace. I think it's stiffer, less flexy for high-power standing starts and stuff.

Yes. It's very expensive. I say, if money is tight but you still want a high quality set, then go for the Omniums.

Another thing to consider (that most beginners aren't aware of) is crank arm length. This is very important. Cranks come in 2.5mm increments for a reason (165mm, 167.5mm, 170mm, 172.5mm, 175mm). This is a personal preference, but the rule of thumb is: Shorter riders (females or short males) go with 165mm. Taller riders (tall males or really tall females) go for 170mm. That is just a starting point. If a tall guy (like me, 6'1") likes to "spin it up" with higher than normal cadences, then maybe go for 167.5 instead of the recommended 170mm. If a female likes to "roll like a freight train" in time trials then she might go for 170mm or 172.5mm instead of the recommended 165mm.

I know it's a lot to consider. But, as they say, measure twice and cut once! Had I known all of this before I wouldn't have never owned Dura Ace, Campy Record, SRAM Omniums, and Sugino 75s in various sizes. I would have bought 167.5mm Dura Ace cranks ONCE and been done with it instead of wasting time and money :)

carleton: Very helpful insight. I will see how 165mm Sugino 75's on a Sugino SG75 bottom bracket feels. I'm 6'1" ... keep reading Sheldon Brown recommend 165mm, this is not for track, but for street (curbs, pedal strike concerns).

Thanks for the advice!~ Looks like I'm saving for some DA/Campy cranks...

I'll be getting 165mm, I'm short. -.-

Double post, sorry.

I knew from the beginning that I was going to get 165mm, but I got a line on a deal on 170's... Is it that much of a difference, noticeable? I will be installing it onto a Cinelli mash 47CM.

Did you mean 57cm?

Nope.... 47cm. I'm short. >.<

Supposedly, it fits like a 50 b/c of geometry, as I was told by the Cinelli & Bike Shop owner.

Well, if you are that short like me then I'd definitely go with 165, especially for the track where you are bound to turn higher rpms. Yes, you can actually feel the difference between 165 and 170.