Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - If they cost the same; Sugino 75's or SRAM Omniums?

So my question is pretty much what the thread title states; I have the opportunity to pick up a set of Sugino 75's with a 48t Zen ring and the Sugino 75 BB for the same price as it would cost to get a set of Omniums (which obviously come with a 48t chainring and BB).

So in this situation what would you choose? To help, for us here in NZ the Omniums are RRP$350NZ, and the 75's (with a Zen ring) are RP$560NZ (due to having to import them personally). Are 75's the bee's knees? Or is it just hype? Obviously the Omniums are better bang for your buck, but if I can get the 75's for the same price, how does that change things?

Any feedback would be most appreciated.

Oh, they look like this by the way:

http://breakbrake17.com/v1/wp-content/uploads/wpsc/product_images/SUGINO%2075%20CRANKSET.JPG

Which have different text to these:

http://www.tracksupermarket.com/images/medium/s75cranks_m.jpg

Any ideas why?

Get Grand Mighty for cheaper price.
http://www.tracksupermarket.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=416
They are all just cranks really, I mean they are both pretty damn stiff.
Dura Aces are pretty good bang for the buck too.

For the same price, I would get the 75s. The omniums are stiffer and lighter, but can also be problematic (according to what i have read on these forums). The 75s, on the other hand, are basically more likely to just do the job without any problems.

75. Square taper ftw.

same price the old style 75's (bottom pic) just becuase they're prettier. omniums are better overall because of their price advantage (i'd be running some is my bb wasn't stuck in the frame. got a good deal on 75s though so whatevs)

though out of all options i'd go dura ace, prettiest finish.

Get Grand Mighty for cheaper price.
http://www.tracksupermarket.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=416
They are all just cranks really, I mean they are both pretty damn stiff.
Dura Aces are pretty good bang for the buck too.


To get a set of Grand Mighty's (with chainring and BB) would be $670NZ. So they are far and away more expensive than the Omniums or the 75's that I could pick up.

As for the writing on the cranks, am I correct in thinking the difference is just the new Sugino lettering? Personally I like the old better, but hey, if its a good deal some lettering isn't the end of the world.

I have a set of Sugino cranks that don't even say "75" on them... but I'm pretty sure they're 75s. Same shape/form/etc. Or am I wrong? They're not curvy like the RD/Messenger cranks.

IF they are the same price, I'd get the Sugino 75s - even though I am not a great fan of any overpriced crankset (because it's just a pair of forged aluminum pieces and a generic chainring), at least they don't force you to use a proprietary BB interface, and you will always be able to replace any component on the free market.

And apparently, the Sugino 75 is machined to somewhat high tolerances *shrug*, according to very many satisfied cyclists.

Both the Ominiums and 75s are light, stiff, good quality cranks.
Don't let fanboys tell you one is definitely better than the other.
The Omniums are both lighter and cheaper but use a BB that may require refacing the BB shell. a bike shop can do that for a small fee.
I think they both look nice- prefer the Omniums but that is subjective.
Ultimately it is your decision.

To get a set of Grand Mighty's (with chainring and BB) would be $670NZ. So they are far and away more expensive than the Omniums or the 75's that I could pick up.

As for the writing on the cranks, am I correct in thinking the difference is just the new Sugino lettering? Personally I like the old better, but hey, if its a good deal some lettering isn't the end of the world.
Ah, I was unaware that you are in New Zealand...
In my opinion, even an Eighth Inch crankset is enough, they are stiff, and not bad on the eyes.
As wroomwroomoops said, they are all forged alloy cranks, they are all pretty strong and stiff.

just because there all forged dont make em equal^ my rd's were noodles compared to my 75's and even my carbon fsa cranks

On a related note: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?644067-FSA-Carbon-Track-vs.-Dura-Ace-vs-Campy-Record

I like 75's on classy steel frames with threaded headsests, but for aero tubed carbon alu modern frames I think Omniums look best. I would like to get a black set for my fuji track comp someday. But the stock cranks are plenty stiff and I can't justify the cost, especially when the money could be spent on going towards a Hed 3, or a new HD TV or towards a new DH MTB etc etc.....

so many things to buy.....

On a related note: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?644067-FSA-Carbon-Track-vs.-Dura-Ace-vs-Campy-Record

Quoted from above thread...

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 :)


That is an excellent post. For what it is worth, the times I have watched Keirin in Japan, the cranksets were DuraAce 100%. I don't remember seeing any 75s on a Keirin track. That said, I use 75s because thats what I bought when I was just getting into FG riding. Those work fine, no reason for me to change, but I'd go Dura Ace if I needed a new crankset.

Depends on the build for me. If it was an aero aluminum frame, maybe Omniums. Anything else, 75's or DA fosho...lol

I've got some Bontrager cranks which use the same system as Omnium (GXP outboard bearing bottom bracket), and I've had nothing but issues with getting it all to seat properly. I've pretty much trashed these bearings because it wouldn't seat properly. I've never once had an issue with any traditional square taper system crank, so I'm a bit disappointed.

recently switched from a sugino 75 set-up to a sram omnium set-up (http://www.pedalroom.com/bike/a-mediocre-soma-rush-392/photo/7). its been running really really nicely even through the spring/summer rains of honolulu. yes, its on a soma rush steel bike. yes, it looks goofy. but gosh darn, it feels nice.

I've got some Bontrager cranks which use the same system as Omnium (GXP outboard bearing bottom bracket), and I've had nothing but issues with getting it all to seat properly.
I've pretty much trashed these bearings because it wouldn't seat properly.
I've never once had an issue with any traditional square taper system crank, so I'm a bit disappointed.

did you face the BB shell?

i prefer splined or external BB cranks over square taper. there's a reason why mtb's shifted away from square taper in the late 90's (though it might be overkill for road/street riding).

I've got some Bontrager cranks which use the same system as Omnium (GXP outboard bearing bottom bracket), and I've had nothing but issues with getting it all to seat properly. I've pretty much trashed these bearings because it wouldn't seat properly. I've never once had an issue with any traditional square taper system crank, so I'm a bit disappointed.

I've had the OPPOSITE problem. I've had nothing but problems with square taper cranks. I finally decided to try the omniums and have never looked back since. Omniums are stiff and so far great for me>