Originally Posted by
christianlivsey
Let me explain myself in more detail. Thrice in the past two months, my left crank arm has come off on the road. Both of the first two times were immediately after a tune up with the lbs. No idea if they even touch the crank when they do routine maintenance, but something is causing me to lose the plastic cap to cover the shaft, and the little plastic plate with a tiny metal pin(which is apparently holding that ***** on) has shattered twice. Last time they took it in, they just tensioned the bolts on the arm down a little harder; no plastic plate, no cap. I'm concerned that I've flared my crank or stripped the splines by now. After all, I'm pretty heavy and it's happened several times now. I'm sure I could replace these plastic components cheaply, but who's to say this crank won't let me down while I'm speeding down a hill on a well trafficked road? If I buy a new crank, I'm looking for a step up in durability. I want something that I can trust to carry me across the great state and back. Is there a way I can replace just the crank in the short term, preferrably without having to **** with my cassette or replace my brand new chain? Is there a roided up 50/39/30 crankset in the same dimensions waiting around for me somewhere, or do I need to start doing my homework and fast. This bike is my way around town, and I need it asap
There is some pretty good stuff out there that is perfectly reliable at a low price. The higher prices are usually for better finish, fancier name, maybe a slightly longer lifespan, and possibly slightly better shifting. Example, my expedition bike which has a Rohloff hub ($~1,000) and a S&S coupled frame (cost was about $1,5000 with shipping and customs duty) I used a UN55 square taper bottom bracket ($18), a Vuelta double crank ($35) and no-name chainrings ($8 each). My point is that I used stuff that is good enough where good enough was just that, good enough. But used the high cost stuff for where I did not want to compromise.
I do not know if you want to go with an older style square taper system or not, but that would be a good way to get something that works reliably for a good price. A crank arm puller and the bottom bracket tool are at a reasonable price.
I do not know if 50/39/30 is common or not, my triples are 52/42/30 and I have used a 24 instead of the 30 on two bikes.