Bicycle Mechanics - Quick help needed buying used square taper crankset.

Hello; I plan on buying a used square taper crankset. And I would really appreciate it if someone or someone's would check out the condition of the taper on these cranks.

I have a high resolution picture of it here: (right click => view image => click to zoom in full size)

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/5963/50836745.jpg

Thanks!

no one will be able to tell from a photograph the condition of the tapers and teeth or if there are any fractures or other hidden flaws.

no one will be able to tell from a photograph the condition of the tapers and teeth or if there are any fractures or other hidden flaws.

Good point, I guess I'll have my LBS take a experienced eye to it; but in the mean time, how about from what could be made out from the photo?

I can only see cosmetic blemishes. sugino 75 cranks are top quality, but who knows how they were treated by the owner...not me. you'd need to inspect the threads, tapers, teeth and look for cracks/fractures/dents/etc. in person to really know what you're buying.

I dont want to say they'll be fine and they end up being trashed...nor scare you away from a good deal. Check them out in person, if possible. That said, I've purchased many a used crankset and have had good luck.

Yea I'm planning to do that and use good judgement/ going with my gut. Thanks :)

If the price is good, it's worth taking a chance just for the pedals and chainring. Even if you bring it to the shop, it's impossible to know the condition of borderline tapers except by mounting and riding them.

About the only thing a shop could tell you by eye is that they're in terrible shape, otherwise they're a definite maybe.

in the mean time, how about from what could be made out from the photo?

I printed the screen then taped it to the surface of my Ouija board. Then I got my crystal pendant and swung it as a pendulum over the picture. Based upon the metaphysical response, I can tell you for sure that it is a bicycle crank.

I printed the screen then taped it to the surface of my Ouija board. Then I got my crystal pendant and swung it as a pendulum over the picture. Based upon the metaphysical response, I can tell you for sure that it is a bicycle crank.

Cool thanks for all the effort! :D

The real problem would be if the cranks were ever ridden while loose on the bottom bracket and the square taper holes were distorted. If that's the case, there is no way to salvage them but there is also no way for anyone to tell from your pictures. Otherwise, if the tapers are sound and the pedal threads in decent condition, they look ok if the price is low enough.