Bicycle Mechanics - Will this crank work on my CX bike

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knobd
07-29-11, 09:24 AM
I'd like to lower the gearing on my CX bike since I don't have anything lower than 36/25 and there are definitely some hills that I've been avoiding; especially where my parents live just south of the Poconos.

I found this crank on velo-orange (http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components/cranksets/cranks/vo-polyvalent-crankset.html)and was wandering if it would work on my 2010 Scattante X-330 CX bike (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1081576_-1___). Since the bike link is unreliable some of the bike specs are as follows:

BOTTOM BRACKET: Isis Pro
BRAKES: Tektro Oryx Alloy cantilever
CASSETTE: Shimano Tiagra, 9-SPEED, cogs: 12-13-14-15-17-19-21-23-25T
CHAIN: KMC HG73, 1/2"x11/128",116L
CRANKSET: FSA Vero Cyclocross 46/36t
FORK: Carbon legs, CroMo steerer 1 1/8"
FRAME: XRL Aluminum, double water bottle mounts, and replaceable derailleur hanger
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Sora
HEADSET: FSA Integrated, alloy 1 1/8" with top cap
LEVERS: Shimano Sora, alloy short reach levers
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Sora, 9-speed
SHIFTERS: Shimano Sora, 9-speed
WHEELSET: Rims: Alex R-500, 32-hole, Hubs: Formula double sealed QR

Also, although I plan on getting better at the wrenching, I plan on having someone else do this for me. If there is anyone reliable in the Philly or Trenton areas that anyone knows of I'd appreciate it.

Thanks in advance

fietsbob
07-29-11, 09:26 AM
Remove the BB from your bike too, and buy the one that goes with the VO crank.

Package the old one with the crank you removed..

they are different.

of course in a race low gears get you lapped ,
as running shouldering the bike is faster..
knobd
07-29-11, 09:39 AM
Remove the BB from your bike too, and buy the one that goes with the VO crank.

Package the old one with the crank you removed..

they are different.

of course in a race low gears get you lapped ,
as running shouldering the bike is faster..

Thanks, I thought the BB's might need to be swapped.

I don't plan on racing the bike. I basically treat the bike as a drop bar hybrid that I plan on using as a road bike with a new set of wheels (actually more of a true hybrid than a bike labeled as a hybrid LOL). I don't want to put money into my 88 Fuji and that doesn't go lower than 42/26 so I have no bike that I can seriously climb with (I'm currently 230 lbs.).

HillRider
07-29-11, 09:43 AM
Cheaper fixes include getting A 12x27 9-speed cassette and swaping the 36T chainring for a 34T. That will lower your low gear by 13% and should be quite noticable.
knobd
07-29-11, 10:02 AM
I haven't ruled that out either. Actually, after looking at the gearing again that's probably a better way to go. If I leave the largest ring on the back at 25 even with the 30 on the front I'm only down to 32 GI. However, the 30 in the front sort of opens the doors to more drastic changes if I go with a 12/27 or 11/28 cassette since I plan on getting new set of wheels anyway. 30/28 brings me down to 29.

I've also thought about possibly a triple in the front (front shifter is a 3 speed) or maybe changing RD to a Deore and going 11-32 with the cassette.

Any suggestions to above possibilities will certainly be considered.
knobd
07-29-11, 12:14 PM
What about this triple (http://www.fullspeedahead.com/products/39/Vero-Triple)? Same make and model line as the original. Would this be easier for me to install if I tried to do it myself. Could it plug right in? Once again, the bike came with a 3 speed front shifter. Would I need a new FD with the triple.

The compact double is here (http://www.fullspeedahead.com/products/37/Vero-Compact). I can use this and switch to a 12-27 or 11-28 in the rear without touching the Sora RD.

Specs are in opening post; BB is Isis Pro.
lverhagen
07-29-11, 04:25 PM
What about this triple (http://www.fullspeedahead.com/products/39/Vero-Triple)? Same make and model line as the original. Would this be easier for me to install if I tried to do it myself. Could it plug right in? Once again, the bike came with a 3 speed front shifter. Would I need a new FD with the triple.

The compact double is here (http://www.fullspeedahead.com/products/37/Vero-Compact). I can use this and switch to a 12-27 or 11-28 in the rear without touching the Sora RD.

Specs are in opening post; BB is Isis Pro.

That crankset will not work with your current bottom bracket and you would have to purchase a square taper bb of the correct length in order to make in work. In regards to the velo-orange crank you referenced in your op, there are a number of comparable options that could be purchased for less money.

Ultimately, however I had a similar situation as you when it came to appropriate gearing for hills. However, being the impoverished student that I am, I chose to go the incredibly cheap and humiliating route of learning to walk up some hills. Slowly, I have become a stronger rider and am able to ride up most hills, it has just taken a lot of practice and patience.

But I digress, I would definitely encourage you to improve your gearing if you have the means by purchasing a wider range cassette and a 34 tooth little ring rather than a different crank altogether, it will probably end up being cheaper and less of a hassle in the long run. Good Luck!

Cheers
lverhagen