Originally Posted by
fatbottom_b
... I ..figured a modern crank would be stronger
I can, in some circumstances, feel a frame flexing. And I've seen the DH/Dirt MTBers breaking/bending cranks. But for myself, I've never been able to feel any differences in strength that I've been able to associate with a flexing crank with any degree of certainty - at least not for a crank in good condition.
Originally Posted by
fatbottom_b
... I ..figured a modern crank would be ..lighter
Don't really know about that. The difference between a mid-90s Shimano LX and a 2009 XTR wasn't exactly overwhelming. A couple of swigs out of the bike bottle would sort that difference out.
Originally Posted by
fatbottom_b
... I ..can't see the sense in spending the same money for a used vintage part (or more for NOS parts).
A quick look at Ebay came up with something like 90 hits on "crankset square taper", with business sellers offers around 30-60 USD(and up of course). There's bound to be something there.