mic2377

So,
The BB on my F3 is emitting a nasty creak after several months of abuse, and I want to use this as an excuse to upgrade my crankset. The stock one is FSA, a bit of a boat anchor.

I am interested in the Raceface Deus cranks. They look good, are really light/stiff, and are fairly cheap. But I have read tons of hideous reviews on MTB Review and it has me scared.

I also tend to be hard on drivetrain stuff. I am 170 lbs, but 6'3", and like to push alot of gear.

So, how bad are they? If they suck, I might just get an XT or something similar..... XTR is out of the price range.

cyccommute 

They are futzier to set up than XT but if you follow the directions (which seems to be the problem with most of the bad reviews), they work just fine.

If you want inexpensive, it's be hard to beat this

pinkrobe

It's a crank. They're almost foolproof to set up, and the bearings last a long time with little and/or no maintenance. That said, it would be hard to go wrong with an XT setup. By the way, www.chainreactioncycles.com has that Deore crank [in black instead of silver] you linked to for under $70 + s/h, as opposed to Universal Cycles $125.

ed 

Why the crap would you pay $125 for a Deore when you can buy closeout LX for $100 Cycco?

born2bahick

I've been running the Dues on a hardtail for over three years with no problems.

cyccommute 

Like I said, they just need to follow directions. If you read the reviews, it's apparent that the people who complain the loudest didn't read how to do it.

The Shimano is easier to set up. And that is a good price. I don't usually look overseas for parts

cyccommute 

And were is this LX? How about a link? Bad form to not post a link if you have one.

Here is an LX Hollowtech II for $130.

mrchristian

I have used the RF cranks in the past, but would definately prefer Shimano cranks at this point. Personally, can't stand the FSA V-Drive MegaExo cranks I have on my Rush right now. All the paint has pretty much rubbed off in a weird melty-way, and they aren't particularly smooth.

mx_599

mine works awesome too! but that is not saying much since i am a great mechanic. you might get different results.

i raced mine and they were good for a spot or two...

mx

ed 

Ya just gotta keep your eyes open. A couple wks ago, Jensonusa.com was blowing them out for $99.00.

I bought a set from Nashbar for the same price.

Be creative.

Even still...wouldn't it be better to have LX for the $130 that you found vs. recommending Deore for the same price?

scrublover

I was running some Race Face externals on two bikes. Am now on Shimano LX on those two bikes. Simpler setup, better fit and tolerences. Similar cost, ever so slightly lighter weight.

Disclaimer: mine were older external setups that the ID of the bearings were slightly smaller than the OD of the spindle, requiring you to use these crappy little plastic spacers to take up the slack. Prone to more flex with those, and they were also prone to cracking. Solutions: replacement bearings with tighter Id not needing the plastice bits. Not sure if newer Race Face crank versions still are the same setup.

Not all the bad reviews were due to bad direction following. Some were due to a crappy design of the bearing/spindle interface. Craptastic plastic BB spacers as well.

You can find deals on RF and Shimano stuff - I just find the Shimano stuff to be of slightly better design and construction.

free_pizza

It really isn't!

xcracer13

I'd say its xt level

mic2377

Well, I found a set of XT cranks, NIB, but minus the BB, for $150. So I think I will pull the trigger on those. The BB is not too expensive either.

Not quite as light as RF, but should be idiotproof. It will still drop 100-150 grams compared to the POS FSA cranks. The creak they have is quite hideous. I will see if a grease/reassemble will rectify that till the XT's arrive in the mail.

For what it is worth, the FSA cranks do shift fairly well.... Maybe wacking them on logs hasn't been good for them.

cyccommute 

I found that one after I posted...hence the 'Last edited by cyccommute : 08-22-08 at 04:29 PM.' below the post.

I am creative and I do try to keep up with prices on stuff but I'm not all knowing. If you know of something cheaper (that's currently available) post it! If you just say "you can do better" without offering a link, you're just blowing smoke, being critical and not really that helpful. That behavior...along with others... is one of the reasons that is forum is heading towards reader numbers that rival those of the Electric Bike forum

By the way, I'm assuming the LX crank you are talking about is an Octalink. Not quite the same product as the Hollowtech II or the RaceFace Deus. Still a good product but not the same technology.

scrublover

I've seen LX and Race Face external BB stuff blown out at $99 a few spots here and there. Yeah, not XT or Deus, but still external.

rankin116

Wow, sensitive much?

ed 

Wrong dood...LX m580 Hollowtech II. 22/32/44 I knows mah products, biznatch!!

Seriously man...I'm not here to do everyone else's homework. When I see a good deal and it's something I need...I notice it. I don't blow smoke, I just call people out when they make a crappy recommendation that may cause somebody to waste money on something that could be better. (like your unresearched/uninformed suggestion) The Deore is nice for a low line product, but for the same price...Cmon man.

This is why I said "Ya just gotta keep your eyes open." and "Be creative." Maybe I should have also said "be patient". It's not like it's urgent, the OP has dealt with it for "several months". It may not be currently available, but every 3 days it seems somebody is blowing LX cranksets out like mad.

ed 

Order some RaceFace Diabolus BB cups. They fit the same application and they're bling-bling gold. They have Phill Wood grease too which is great stuff. They also have longer threads which is nice. Good deal on the XT's too man!!

Maybe you should post a link to where you got them so people don't think you're blowing smoke (JK cycco)

mic2377

Good call on the Raceface cups. If it comes loaded with Phil Wood, they are in the know. I have never had a bad experience with anything phil wood.

I am getting the XT's from a local shop that had them on hand, collecting dust. I believe they come with a steel middle ring, something I am excited about.

It is a good thing I am getting those XT's. I just recently destroyed the big ring on the FSA after lots of log jumping, and the play/creaking in the BB is getting worse every day.

Oh, no deore or LX for me. That is a downgrade....

scrublover

Nah, the biggest difference is the weight. Mostly with alu vs. steel parts on the XT vs. LX. If you've already got rings you like, alu ring bolts, and a nice Enduro bottom bracket but your Race Face cranks are ganked...

LX worked. Swapped my stuff on, as all I wanted was the arms/spindle anyhow. It would be nice if they were available arms/spindle only. Meh.