Originally Posted by
freedbill
The original crank was a 24/34/42 which I plan to replace with a 30/42/52 FSA Vero crankset. Here is where my problem lies. The new FSA crankset slides in too close to the frame. Upon closer inspection I have come to realize the not all crankset BB shafts are created equal. The original Shimano crankset BB shaft extends beyond the innermost chain ring by about 1/8" inch...an "outie", so to speak. The FSA chainring BB shaft is recessed, an "innie", and therefore slides too close to the frame. So I have learned that cranks come as "innies" and "outies".
Can anyone recommend a reasonable triple crank that will fit my "outie" needs. I'd like the largest ring to be in the neighborhood 48-52 teeth. When I look at pictures of cranks, it is really not possible to determine the BB shaft length on the inside. I'm sure there is a more technical description, I'm just not sure what it is.
Bill
The Sheldon Brown database that cny-bikeman mentioned states the spindle length as 110 or 113 mm for the fc-m290 (and says not to use it because of the recall). Probably that is too short for the FSA vero, so it was too close to the frame. Try measuring the spindle length of the bottom bracket you have now and the chainline you have when you install FSA Vero on it. Chainline is the distance from the middle chainring of the triple crankset to the imaginary plane which goes vertically through the middle of the bike. Alternatively, you can measure the distance to the seat tube and add 1/2 of the seat tube diameter. The chainline should be 47.5 to 50mm for a mountain triple. You are going to have a smaller number, and you can do some simple math and see how much you are missing and how much you need to add to the BB axle length.
You will need a new derailleur and likely a new chain. A short chain will lead to a disaster when shifted to the big/big. Something like FC-M131 crankset, 123mm square taper bottom bracket and FD-M360 front derailleur will do the job. I run this very setup on the old Hardrock. Good workhorse. Or you can get the right bottom bracket for the FSA Vero and something like FD-M360 front derailleur.
Some time ago I had a cheap riveted Sugino Impel triple (48-38-28), that would
probably give you an OK chainline with your BB. Not sure if one can find them now.