Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - your thoughts on this cranketset

I've been looking at buying a crankset and bottom bracket and I really likd the messenger and soma hellyer.

this one seems to have some updates from the regular messenger and that's what I want your opinion on.
store.somafab.com/sucomecrwbr.html

it looks like a black sugino double with single chainring.
oh, and $350 for an alloy crankset?

well its listed as having a new forging for the arms and the ring is shot peened. wondering if it warrents price jump over the regular messenger.

That price can't be right. Are alloy chainring bolts really an "upgrade" over steel?

have no idea that's why I asked you guys :p

Are alloy chainring bolts really an "upgrade" over steel?

Breakability/'pump money towards the company when cheap **** breaks' upgrade.

Looks totally overpriced to me. That's just an RD2 with a fancier finish and the stock $30 BB. Maybe worth $200, but no way I'd pay $350. Also, it has aluminum chainring bolts, which is just plain dumb.

For about $400 you can get a black Sugino 75 crankset and a Protype sealed cartridge BB.

When it comes to cranksets, what factors should one look at to determine how good a crankset is? Aside from the most important factor of how it looks on the bike, of course.

weight and stiffness.

http://www.universalcycles.com/images//products/large/28105.jpg (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=28105&category=51)

Those chainring bolts sell for $40 brand new... Just saying

http://www.universalcycles.com/images//products/large/28105.jpg (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=28105&category=51)

Those chainring bolts sell for $40 brand new... Just saying

Pretty dumb way to spend money IMO.

Pretty dumb way to spend money IMO.
w8 sAvIngz bRah!

Regular Sugino Messengers are alright but those linked are just way overpriced. I didnt even pay nearly to as close to that with my Sugino 75's. The Soma Hellyer looks neat and decently priced. Also 144bcd is a +

have no idea that's why I asked you guys :p

Why is that? You asked for our thoughts regarding that crankset and we're telling you.

Soma cranks are rebranded Andels which are good value. Prob one of the best you'll find for the price @ 144bcd

Soma cranks are rebranded Andels which are good value. Prob one of the best you'll find for the price @ 144bcd

why does it say "RD2" on the back?

Sugino Messengers are RD2s with a different chainring.

http://www.universalcycles.com/images//products/large/28105.jpg (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=28105&category=51)

Those chainring bolts sell for $40 brand new... Just saying
http://i.imgur.com/nZqqe.jpg

When it comes to cranksets, what factors should one look at to determine how good a crankset is? Aside from the most important factor of how it looks on the bike, of course.

Good crank arms should be forged, not swagged, cast, or CNC machined, with plenty of meat around the pedal eye, and available in several lengths. Good chainrings should be round, with machined, full-profile teeth (assuming SS/FG), and a good selection of sizes to choose from.

Why is that? You asked for our thoughts regarding that crankset and we're telling you.

think you need to reread the OP's response again. i read it, i think, like you at first, and then reread it and realized it was just a simple polite reply.

i read it at first as "have no idea why i asked you guys", but that's not what he posted. maybe he could have sprung for a comma or two... if i'm wrong just ignore this post.

Ahhh, the power of punctuation marks.

hueyhoolihan got it lol. I just use a phone a lot and getting things spelt at all is rathet difficult with this phones screen size.

my friend has one and likes it.

never pay retail.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=soma%20hellyer#q=soma+hellyer&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=JeEMT4WQD8SfiQKO-omPBA&ved=0CFMQrQQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=2801df27e982256d&biw=1280&bih=779

think you need to reread the OP's response again. i read it, i think, like you at first, and then reread it and realized it was just a simple polite reply.

i read it at first as "have no idea why i asked you guys", but that's not what he posted. maybe he could have sprung for a comma or two... if i'm wrong just ignore this post.

You're right. I guess I'm just too used to people knowing how to talk.

There seems to be a huge bias towards 144bcd cranks here. For the average person there is no advantage, other than more expensive chainrings.

There seems to be a huge bias towards 144bcd cranks here. For the average person there is no advantage, other than more expensive chainrings.

Generally, greater quality comes with greater price. I think it has more to do with the availability of quality chain rings at 144 vs. 130, at least that's my understanding.

But I agree that chances are there isn't a real advantage for the average person. But how many people on BF are "average" when it comes to knowledge/passion about bikes?

But how many people on BF are "average" when it comes to knowledge/passion about bikes?

All my friends at school think I'm crazy because I know too much about bikes relative to them :(

Generally, greater quality comes with greater price. I think it has more to do with the availability of quality chain rings at 144 vs. 130, at least that's my understanding.

But I agree that chances are there isn't a real advantage for the average person. But how many people on BF are "average" when it comes to knowledge/passion about bikes?

You can find affordable 144bcd rings just as easily as 130bcd ones. I've paid as little as $30 for 144bcd rings, although the ones I use for racing cost more like $100 each. The main thing is that more expensive rings tend to be rounder for more even chain tension and the teeth mesh better with the chain. They also last longer because they are made of harder material, which evens out the long term cost.

You can find affordable 144bcd rings just as easily as 130bcd ones. I've paid as little as $30 for 144bcd rings, although the ones I use for racing cost more like $100 each. The main thing is that more expensive rings tend to be rounder for more even chain tension and the teeth mesh better with the chain. They also last longer because they are made of harder material, which evens out the long term cost.

Well there you go. But what about the selection of top tier 130 rings vs. 144? Would you say it's about the same? Because I have no idea really.

You're right. I guess I'm just too used to people knowing how to talk.

no reason to be rude. I explained why, also the reason I use a phone is I don't own a desktop or a laptop at the moment. I also didn't think that people would be so anal retentive towards lack of proper punctuation.
I also figured the " :p " would have been enough. my aplogies for not proof reading or wanted to fight with this horrible touch screen to make you happy. I do however appreciate the helpful comments the rest of you have put forth. thanks!

I wasn't being "rude" at all. I was being honest. If you want us to know what you're talking about, take the time to post like an actual human being with language skills.

BTW - this was posted from my phone.

ok "bro".

so I've narrowed it down to either a soma hellyer or a miche advanced. the miche is a little lighter and a bit more expensive. I have time as I'm probably not going to buy for another month. one uses I think a jis sq while the miche a iso sq? still learning. any downfalls to either bb style?

Generally, greater quality comes with greater price. I think it has more to do with the availability of quality chain rings at 144 vs. 130, at least that's my understanding.

I think the bias toward 144mm BCD is more a fashion statement than anything. 130mm BCD has a road heritage, while 144mm BCD has more of a track heritage.

130mm BCD has a road heritage, while 144mm BCD has more of a track heritage.

Which is precisely why it's easier to find quality 1/8" 144bcd track chainrings.

I think the bias toward 144mm BCD is more a fashion statement than anything. 130mm BCD has a road heritage, while 144mm BCD has more of a track heritage.

There are a lot of practical considerations in prefering 144bcd to 130bcd for single chainring situations. For example, modern 144bcd cranks are intended to be used with a single chainring on the outside of the spider with no chainring on the inside, so they typically have recesses for the chainring nuts that allows the use of knurled nuts that don't require a tool to keep them from turning when the bolts are being installed or removed. It also secures the nuts when the bolts are removed so they don't fall out and get lost. This is especially convenient when going to the track and changing gearing during a workout or when racing. Also, you are more likely to be able to borrow a 144bcd chainring from a fellow racer than a 130bcd one at the track. There is rarely a need to use chainrings with less than 42 teeth in single applications, so the advantage of a smaller bcd being able to use a smaller inner chainring size is not important.

so I've narrowed it down to either a soma hellyer or a miche advanced.
the miche is a little lighter and a bit more expensive.
one uses I think a jis sq while the miche a iso sq?
any downfalls to either bb style?

more options for BB's with the Soma. You will find quite a few negative posts about the Miche BB.
The Miche advanced has a quality chainring and a very narrow Q, if that is something you are looking for?

http://www.pedalconsumption.com/archives/2008/files/anodized_miche_advanced_cranks.jpg

q? also couldn't I avoid the miche bb then

whats wrong with the miche bb? i run it no probs, but yes you could skip it

more expensive chainrings are obviously better.
that's my bias.

q?

Q factor (http://bit.ly/A49OHf)


whats wrong with the miche bb?

I've found that the "adjustable" cups don't like to stay tight.

also couldn't I avoid the miche bb then


yes you could skip it

not easily. 107mm ISO

there are a few in that 107-109 range, not many.
Phil Wood
Sugino
and some old White Ind. BB's.
probably some other ones?

http://www.philwood.com/products/bbpages/spndltyp.jpg

more expensive chainrings are obviously better.
that's my bias.

Not always. My VeloSolo chainring kills my Sugino 75 ring.

Not always. My VeloSolo chainring kills my Sugino 75 ring.

in regards to what?

It's smoother, thicker, is completely silent, has a better finish and is just as round.

It's smoother, thicker, is completely silent, has a better finish and is just as round.

sounds nice... how large do they make em? i need a new ring

Only up to 48t, which is the only bummer...

Only up to 48t, which is the only bummer...

dang! sounded perfect, haha

Only up to 48t, which is the only bummer...

48T is the largest I ever use. I guess I must be a wimp. :o

i run a campy road crank (135mm) with a (very nice) miche 1/8" ring and it works fantastically. $100 centaur carbon arms (thank you, nashbar crazy sale), ~$40 for the ring, ~$50 for a centaur BB. campy square taper alloy cranks are awfully nice, and cheap cheap these days. might also look for some used superbe pro? super nice, uncommon, and way less than your $350 set, even in the best condition.