Originally Posted by
Plainsman
maybe I found a good deal? I just bought a Lasco commuter crankset on eBay for $35 shipped, new. I was encouraged that it had 44 / 36 rings and 152 millimeter crank arms, square taper. The only downside is that the bike I am working on is aluminum and I was trying to keep things light.I figure this new crankset will be pretty heavy since it has steel arms and rings. Still, for $35.00 I thought it was worth a shot, especially for a bike for a child to learn on. What do you think?
I know you want something nice for your daughter, and I would too, but frankly an additional pound or two is not going to make or break anything. I never had what I would now consider "nice" bikes when I was a kid and at the time I didn't know any better. The crank you mention sounds just fine. Arm length, appropriate gearing, and a not-absurd Q-factor are going to be far more important than steel vs. aluminum. But it sounds like you have those things covered.
Build a bike that fits her well, rides nicely, and she'll like it. Or maybe she'll hate it. I remember my dad trying to get me into softball when I was a kid. I didn't like it and to this day can't imagine anything enjoyable about playing or watching baseball/softball.