Originally Posted by
p2templin
We ride a da Vinci tandem, and have their cranks. At the moment, I'm not thrilled with the finish. Several spots, and a big splotch on her R crank. It could be sweat, but regardless it's now impossible to clean up the cranks to be shiny and spotless (or I haven't found the right cleanser).
We replaced the da Vinci rings (single 34T) with some custom 34T rings that had an offset. To keep the new rings from digging into the chainstay, our dealer had to dig for a longer spindle BB to overcome the offset. You might have to do the same if your rings end up cozy.
The cranks are polished aluminum that is not anodized. Some feel an anodized finish on aluminum makes the product more brittle. Sweat will leave spots if not rinsed off. During the summer months I usually take an water left in my bottles after the ride and use it to rinse to cranks as well as bolts on the frame. Sweat rusts steel much quicker than water and in 100+ heat I sweat a lot.
The cranks can be polished with aluminum polish available ar most car parts stores:
http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/product_detail.do?q=4609
I love the cranks. Could be cheaper but it is nice to buy something actually made in the USA and not China.
Wayne