Tell me about SR cranks.
 

So I got a set of nice-looking SR cranks (among other things) on a really yucky frame for super cheap. The cranks are what caught my eye, since they're one-piece forged cotterless cranks, and look really nice.

From what I can find on the google machine, SR components were made in Japan by Sakae...and that's about all I know. The particular cranks I have are marked "SR APEX", and are dated '76. Are these good stuff, or no?

Here's some bait:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...i/P1020674.jpg

The large chainring is built into the crank arm and cannot be replaced when worn out. That's the sign of a lower end product.

SR made several versions of the Apex crank. The one in the photo is a low-end swaged version. However, I once had a nice SR Apex that was a direct copy of the Stronglight 99, same 86mm bcd, fluting and everything.

Yes, they are not truly "one piece forged", but the arm is attached to the spider thru a hole in the spider, and then "swagged" so the arm can not move (supposedly) from its position. In reality, these can wear out, break out, etc. Even a little play in the arm is a problem.