Originally Posted by
VT Biker
So I have been going through trying to decide on a track crankset. Being somewhat new to track cycling, it appears that a majority of the cranksets (even Capmy and Durace still use the non-external bearing BB interfaces).
Aside from the Truvativ Omnium, are there any other track specific cranksets out there using an external style bottom bracket?
The SRAM/Truvativ Omniums are the only ones.
I've tried them all and Dura Ace is my favorite. It's popular and hasn't evolved for a reason. They sort of got it right. I've learned that one of Shimano's mantras is, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." which seems to be why they haven't evolved their track crankset.
...and as soon as I write that, watch Shimano announce a new track crankset. Hahaha.
You can't go wrong with Dura Ace, Sugino 75, or SRAM Omniums. Really strong guys seem to not care for Campy as they are not as stiff as the others. But, only a small percentage of people can tell the difference.
Understand that the Omniums come with some caveats:
1) The BB is OK, but you'll probably replace it after about a season or so.
2) The chainring is non-standard. It's really thick. So, between the thick chainring and crank spider you need double chainring bolts...then single chainring bolts for your standard chainrings. Most people just ditch the stock 48 tooth chainring and buy a standard 48 so as not to deal with the hassle.
3) The chainring bolts that come stock are alloy. You'll want to replace these.