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Square taper cranks - Are they still available?

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Old 10-15-12, 06:05 PM
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Square taper cranks - Are they still available?

Today I noticed my crank was loose. I tightened the bolt and now have a creaking sound. These are basically 10yr old XC cranks anyway and I've gotten into doing some drops and stuff, so I'm just gonna get new cranks rather than waste time prolonging the life of these a little bit.

Anyway, are there any decent square taper cranks still available? My budget is pretty limited. If there are no decent square tapers available anymore(doubtful), are there any decent low cost cranks(I know, probably just silly to even ask)? I have an old Octalink BB laying around if that helps at all(again, doubtful).

Bonus points if the cranks are 104BCD so that I can use my current bash guard. It's in perfectly great condition and I'd hate to have to retire it and buy another.
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Old 10-15-12, 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by 3speed
Today I noticed my crank was loose. I tightened the bolt and now have a creaking sound. These are basically 10yr old XC cranks anyway and I've gotten into doing some drops and stuff, so I'm just gonna get new cranks rather than waste time prolonging the life of these a little bit.

Anyway, are there any decent square taper cranks still available? My budget is pretty limited. If there are no decent square tapers available anymore(doubtful), are there any decent low cost cranks(I know, probably just silly to even ask)? I have an old Octalink BB laying around if that helps at all(again, doubtful).

Bonus points if the cranks are the same BCD as ~2000 era Truvativ Stylo Team cranks so that I can still use my bash guard. It's beefy and still in great shape, so I'd hate to have to get another one of those too.
I just recently got a sealed square BB for my '81 Nishiki for $37.
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Old 10-15-12, 07:01 PM
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^ Thanks. I need the cranks, though, not the BB. I have a few good square BB laying around, but no decent MTB cranks to put on them.
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Old 10-15-12, 08:16 PM
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Shimano Alivio 9spd FC-M430
Alivio 8/7spd FC-M410
Acera FC-M361

All are in current manufacture, available in sqare taper or octalink versions
use 104/64 BCD


https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Alivio...944814-4006741
https://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Alivio...944814-4006741

Last edited by xenologer; 10-15-12 at 08:24 PM.
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Old 10-15-12, 09:13 PM
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I gave a quick glace to the lower end Shimano offerings before, but all of them are for "light off-road" at best. I don't think I want to try 2-3' drops on them. And they also say they use a 113mm BB. Not that it isn't square taper, but my current ones are 68 or 73. If I have to buy a new BB anyway, I may as well get something in a newer platform. Thanks for the reply, though. I appreciate you taking the time.
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Old 10-15-12, 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by 3speed
And they also say they use a 113mm BB. Not that it isn't square taper, but my current ones are 68 or 73.
Your conflating the measurements. 113mm is the BB spindle length (specific to the crank), 68 or 73mm is the BB shell width (specific to the frame).

Originally Posted by 3speed
If I have to buy a new BB anyway, I may as well get something in a newer platform.
By trying to re-use your current (and old) BB, you're severely limiting your options, not only to a particular interface but also the specific spindle length. I know you're trying to save money, but the BB is the cheaper part. So, I'd find a few cranks I like, add in the price of the BB, and decide from there.
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Old 10-15-12, 11:49 PM
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Ah, so I was mixing up the measurements. Thanks for correcting that for me. And I realize the BB issue. And I am willing to go to a newer system if I can afford it. I just know I'm not even close to affording a nice new crankset with new style BB. I figured if there were square taper cranks still available then they'd be the cheaper option. I can maybe afford $50-$75 for new cranks, but not when you add on another $40+ for a new BB to go with them. I may just end up waiting until next season and gathering funds over the winter if need be. I just hate to watch everyone else riding around for the next month and not have a MTB.

Your "signature"(I think that's what it's called) is hilarious, BTW.
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Old 10-16-12, 12:42 AM
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Race Face turbine square taper cranks occasionally turn up on fleabay but I agree with the above. Pony up and get a more modern BB/crank.
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Old 10-17-12, 09:50 PM
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what about these?
https://www.cyclelife.com/Product.asp...&pt=68&pg=8593
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Old 10-19-12, 02:13 AM
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Looks like an option depending on shipping and US dollar vs. Euro. Thanks for posting.
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Old 10-19-12, 08:14 AM
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Z-Torque makes square taper cranks.
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Old 10-19-12, 11:44 AM
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I have some Deore LX cranks if you'r interested.
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Old 10-26-12, 03:16 PM
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Originally Posted by owenmyers
I have some Deore LX cranks if you'r interested.
If the OP has no interest, I might. Can you provide the tech specs, pics etc, and a price?
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Old 10-27-12, 03:07 AM
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I PMed Owen when he posted that. No reply. Not sure if he's a random poster or something else happened with the cranks, but hopefully he'll return soon with some info. The season is running out here in WI.
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Old 10-28-12, 01:14 AM
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What sort of bike are we talking about and have you checked eBay? If you are replacing 10 year old square taper cranks on a budget then used in good condition should be a consideration.

Sort of an old school BB compatibility chart but if it's a 90's era MTB or you don't mind old school cranks then you can use this guide to ID some potential crank/BB choices:

https://www.bikepro.com/products/bott...omptable.shtml
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