Mountain Biking - What Should I Buy/What SHould I know First Kinda Question

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K_Solomon
11-19-12, 09:47 PM
To begin, I have a Specialized Hardrock 2012. Problem is my crappy riding has resulted with the chainrings having some nasty bumps and they are uneven. I want to replace at least my 22 and 34 or my 22/34/44 crankset.

There is this deal at Jenson that I think is budget friendly, and I must emphasize this is on a budget, I really don't care about the weight just durability. http://www.jensonusa.com/Shimano-Deore-M590-Oe-Crankset

But when I look at the description it says it has it's own bottom bracket. I know my bike has a square tapered BB, but since I have never taken it apart I don't even know the spindle length.

So my questions are. What should I know before picking a new crankset? (seems more expensive to just replace the chainrings), What do you guys recommend (recreational riding nothing serious)? Does any spindle length work on my bike? How do I figure out which ones work and which ones don't?

P.S. I kinda want to make this a DIY project so I'll resort to taking my bike to shop as a last resort.

Thanks!

nakidtroll
11-19-12, 10:41 PM
just replace the chainrings. i suppouse you can replace the chain and casette too. unless you enjoy shopping, think about cleaning and lubing the new stuff more often.
kenhill3
11-21-12, 02:14 PM
OP- What kind of performance issues are you having?

You do realize that the tooth profiles on the chainrings will differ- they are made that way to assist in shifting.

Or, did you actually bugger up the teeth somehow?

+1 on replacing just the affected chainrings.

K_Solomon
11-21-12, 04:51 PM
I think I just place two much torque while pedaling uphill and i've had some shifting issues where my chain gets stuck (sag?) and I keep pedaling and I forcibly pedal/bend my chain rings. My middle chainring, twice i've bent and twice i've hammered it back lol, but couple of days ago my small chainring got bent nasty. Almost like 90 degrees away from its normal position, but I hammered it back. Like eventually I know i'll have to do some replacing. Just saw a deal and wanted to get your insights!
xlDooM
11-26-12, 10:45 AM
Disclaimer: I've never installed a hollowtech II BB, just going off the specs here. Your 2012 Hardrock has a 68mm wide BB shell if I'm not mistaken (measure it?), this is compatible with the BB that comes with the M590 crankset according to this document: http://bike.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/SI_5NB0A/SI-5NB0A-001-00-Eng_v1_m56577569830747488.pdf

That crank should work then, and by extension any hollowtech II compatible crank.

Did you fix the shifting issues yet though? If you have chain problems like that, you may well ruin the Deore rings too.

As for recommendations, my personal opinion is that SLX is best value for money, but from what you post that may well be too durable and too light for you. Well-maintained Deore parts are very durable though. I would go for the same Deore one you posted, but I've seen better deals on it here in Europe.