djb

In replacing worn or "getting there" worn stuff on my old Spec Rockhopper, changed the chain, sure enough, a few cogs on the cassette are skipping, so new cassette required (not a big deal, about $25), the "large" chainring should get replaced too, but being an older 5 bolt crank, the local LBS I went into didnt have much in stock.

They did however have an entire crank, same setup, 42-32-22, Shimano Alivio for $45--just seems that for what I do with this bike, commute, bash around town, and schlepping groceries or whatever (and now perhaps a short trip with just two rear panniers) that this crankset could be a reasonable option. BB on bike is still good, so just have to make sure that it will go on the axle without problems, I believe 113mm is the axle length.

So am curious of if anyone has any experience with Alivio stuff. I am not jumping off edges mtn biking, I am not a basher/masher with my stuff, so it seems appealing for what I use the bike for.

I guess really the only thing as a downside is if it is flexy as anything. If Alivio stuff really is poorly made, I can continue to find a 5 bolt ramped and pinned 42 chainring elsewhere (I suspect thought it will be in the $45 dollar range)

This frame will still have a fair amount of life in it as a commuter, so while I neither need nor want to put expensive parts on it, it might not be worth putting truly awful stuff on it either.

Yes, I know it is geared pretty darn low, but Ive been using this for years now with the existing 42/32/22 and 11-27 cassette (basically 21 gear inches to 99) It spins out at about 50kph, but has been a good utilitarian city bike, the front shock is 1998 technology, not great, but it works for crap roads and since I put some riser bars and shorter, taller bar stem on it, its a fairly pleasant bike to ride (especially with the Schwalbe Marathons on it too)

robow

It will work fine for touring, mtn or general purpose use. The greatest difference from more expensive cranks is that they will be lighter, maybe a little prettier, use a newer (notice I didn't say better) bottom bracket attachment, and maybe?? increased durability.

bwgride

I use a number of Alivio components on my bikes and they all perform well. I would, and do use, the Alivio crank my bikes.

djb

good to hear your opinions, as I say, a reasonably utilitarian crank or chainring is all I need for this bike, so if Alivio is fine, thats fine with me. As I said, I keep my drivetrain fairly clean and properly lubed so over the years, all my drivetrain stuff lasts quite a long time. Plus I really dont have any inclination to send 4, 5, 6 times the money to save a couple of hundred grams and I certainly will not be abusing it.

thanks again

vik 

I bought 3 sets of Alivio cranks on sale once and use them on a few different bikes - mostly with IGHs so I stripped the stock rings and just used the crank arms. They work fine and I'd have no issues buying another set.

djb

thanks vik, again, good to hear. I will definately head back to the bike shop and confirm that it will fit properly on the axel and that axel width is good.
cheers from Montreal

Bezalel

I have an FC-M442 (22-32-44) which AFAIK is the same level as Alivio. Most of my drivetrain is from higher groups but I got a good deal on the crankset and have had no problems with it.

sonatageek

That is what is on my commuter bike (OEM) and they have about 7000 miles on them and no problems at all.

djb

Thanks to all for comments, ended up taking off my cranks to find out that the axel is shorter than the Alivio crankset needs (107 vs 113) so it will not fit on properly without changing the bb. No real need for that at this moment so will just keep on looking for only a new 42 ring.

Will keep Alivio cranksets in mind though for future as a good quality crank at a good price.

fietsbob

One merit steel chainrings have is long wear.

I fitted a surly Stainless steel chainring on my IG hub bike.
{no shifting aides they're a single speed tooth profile)

may get one to replace the big 54t on my Brompton's Mountain drive.

swap the AW3 rear cog from 15 to 13, again, and a 47 would give me about the same gear size.