Originally Posted by russdog63
Yean I am still confused. I am using a Dura Ace 7402 crankset (with the original rings) with 9 speed Dura Ace casette and 9 speed front and rear derailleur. I am using friction Suntour Superbe downtube shifters.
What bike is this going on? What length of crankset is your preference? Do you want a compact crankset?
If you want the highest quality and your bike is non group specific I wouldn't rule out DA. I also wouldn't be set on the 80's either. Dura Ace can be found very easily and excellent values can be had in cranksets from the 90s and 80s.
Superbe is awesome but is rarer and you can almost forget finding 175s or 180s. In over two years of looking on ebay I have only seen one 175 and no 180s. Cyclone I guess is the same as Superbe but without the polish. Older Cyclone and Superbe come with 144 BCD while the more recent are 130 BCD.
There also some excellent Sugino cranksets. Ofmega and Stronglight are also top of the line.
If you want a compact crankset Sugino has a 110 BCD double and Campy Triomphe comes in 110 BCD.
If you don't care about a specific group and don't need the logo buy a beat up DA, Superbe, or Cyclone. They can be had for a song on ebay. Sand out the scratches, polish to mirror finish and then buy new modern chainrings with the money you saved.
Thanks for the responses.... ok, I'll try to be a little more clear:
I'm not against DA, I currently have a DA7700 crank on my Schwinn Peloton. My problem is that the 7700 is too new (intro 1996) and not period correct... wheras the DA7400 is too old (yr.1984 intro). So, I'm looking for something that is circa 1990 (when the frame was made). Looking for 172.5 but would entertain 175's. I'm not picky about 110 or 130 BCD, because I'll probably end up running compact chainrings, but compact chainrings are readily available in 130 and I like the overall look of 130 cranks because the stems are not as chunky... they're thinner and farther apart. So my 1st pick would be 130BCD. Campy is out of the question because I'll most likely be running 10spd DA downtube shifters with 10speed Shimano cassette in the back. Open pro 32h would be my wheel of choice. I know what you're thinking... why go with a vintage crank and new drivetrain parts? Because I want it to look period correct at first glance. BTW... those Bigfoots look beautiful.