Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - Track Crankset BB Interfaces

So I have been going through trying to decide on a track crankset. Being somewhat new to track cycling, it appears that a majority of the cranksets (even Capmy and Durace still use the non-external bearing BB interfaces).

Aside from the Truvativ Omnium, are there any other track specific cranksets out there using an external style bottom bracket?

So I have been going through trying to decide on a track crankset. Being somewhat new to track cycling, it appears that a majority of the cranksets (even Capmy and Durace still use the non-external bearing BB interfaces).

Aside from the Truvativ Omnium, are there any other track specific cranksets out there using an external style bottom bracket?

The SRAM/Truvativ Omniums are the only ones.

I've tried them all and Dura Ace is my favorite. It's popular and hasn't evolved for a reason. They sort of got it right. I've learned that one of Shimano's mantras is, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." which seems to be why they haven't evolved their track crankset.

...and as soon as I write that, watch Shimano announce a new track crankset. Hahaha.

You can't go wrong with Dura Ace, Sugino 75, or SRAM Omniums. Really strong guys seem to not care for Campy as they are not as stiff as the others. But, only a small percentage of people can tell the difference.

Understand that the Omniums come with some caveats:
1) The BB is OK, but you'll probably replace it after about a season or so.
2) The chainring is non-standard. It's really thick. So, between the thick chainring and crank spider you need double chainring bolts...then single chainring bolts for your standard chainrings. Most people just ditch the stock 48 tooth chainring and buy a standard 48 so as not to deal with the hassle.
3) The chainring bolts that come stock are alloy. You'll want to replace these.

Carlton:

A couple of follow-up:

1) I was planning on getting a Chris King BB (I believe they even have a version specific to GXP interfaces). Any reasons I should reconsider?
2) When it comes to chainring bolts.....wouldn't the crankset come with those included? Can you elaborate on the issues I will face with alloy bolts so I better understand what the repercussions could be?

http://www.rotorbikeusa.com/products/3d_track_cranks.html
http://www.rotorbikeusa.com/images/3d_track/3d_track_11_web.jpg

Carlton:

A couple of follow-up:

1) I was planning on getting a Chris King BB (I believe they even have a version specific to GXP interfaces). Any reasons I should reconsider?
2) When it comes to chainring bolts.....wouldn't the crankset come with those included? Can you elaborate on the issues I will face with alloy bolts so I better understand what the repercussions could be?

1) That BB would be fine and much better than the stock BB.
2) Yes, the cranks come with chainring bolts. But, they are the inexpensive alloy kind. Due to the back pressure track bikes exert plus, more significantly, standing starts on the track, steel chainring bolts are preferred. The Dura Ace and Campy cranks all come with steel chainring bolts. Sugino 75 sells their steel ones separately. I once had a street fixed gear bike and started off using alloy bolts. I'd break around 1 per week simply commuting until i learned about the steel ones.

http://www.rotorbikeusa.com/products/3d_track_cranks.html
http://www.rotorbikeusa.com/images/3d_track/3d_track_11_web.jpg

Oh yeah! I forgot about that one. What's the verdict on these? I've never seen a set in person. Any reviews?

http://www.rotorbikeusa.com/products/3d_track_cranks.html
http://www.rotorbikeusa.com/images/3d_track/3d_track_11_web.jpg

Trust me: I would like that. But tough to justify that cost at this point. Between the frame, wheels I am building, and all other components, this bike is going to cost me close to $3,500. For me...seems reasonable...for a non-cycling wife....she thinks this is f'n insane.

Although, I do like the Rotor stuff. You can just tell it is well built.

1) That BB would be fine and much better than the stock BB.
2) Yes, the cranks come with chainring bolts. But, they are the inexpensive alloy kind. Due to the back pressure track bikes exert plus, more significantly, standing starts on the track, steel chainring bolts are preferred. The Dura Ace and Campy cranks all come with steel chainring bolts. Sugino 75 sells their steel ones separately. I once had a street fixed gear bike and started off using alloy bolts. I'd break around 1 per week simply commuting until i learned about the steel ones.

I run Omniums with a ceramic chris king Bottom Bracket and can say it made the cranks feel so much better. As far as Chainrings go I stick with FSA or Sugino zen rings as they seem to have the best fit. The Sugino's will do a little more damage to the pocket but are a far better chain ring, however if you are looking for a less expensive alternative I would say run an FSA. The stock chainring bolts for the omnium will work with the FSA but if you plan on getting anything else you will need to get new bolts. just my 2 cents

Oh yeah! I forgot about that one.
What's the verdict on these? I've never seen a set in person. Any reviews?

dunno.
trackies might not like the 141.5mm Q, or the proprietary BB.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6228/6240774971_68060b01d9.jpg
http://bikehugger.com/post/view/all-i-want-for-xmas-is-50-front-teeth-rotor-track-crank

141.5 is only .5 mm wider than the SRM cranks so many folks use for training...makes going back and forth fairly simple. Nicely made, very light, real nice, round rings and they have a ceramic bearing available.

The heel clearance on Omniums is noticeably less then almost anything else. The DS spindle interface comes out more then anything I've ever ridden before.

The heel clearance on Omniums is noticeably less then almost anything else. The DS spindle interface comes out more then anything I've ever ridden before.

Yes! I had a problem with that with Omniums and some 2010 Rival cranks. I think the current Rival are shaved a bit.

Is there a reason you want an external BB, rather than the traditional set up?