Originally Posted by
cemmes
Thanks for all the feedback. I found this topic fairly confusing at first, but now after looking around researching everything out, I think I finally understand what I'm going to do.
What I've decide is to go with the Sugino XD600 triple crank and switch out the small chainring with a 24t salsa chainring. I will then put on a shimano 105 triple front derailleur (should i go with mountain bike derailleur?) This way it would be a 46-36-24 and my 12-26 rear. My gear inches would be 103"-24" which i feel pretty comfortable with (I'm young, i can handle it) I don't think i would need a new rd because it would be (46-26)+(26-12)=36. Also, are there much difference in the square taper BB's? I was just going to go with a mid range BB. Does it matter too much?
What do you all think?
You need a JIS square taper bb for that sugino crank, not ISO. I recommend a Shimano un-54, or better yet, un-72/un-73 if you can find one. Sugino and Tange make good ones too. Nashbar has one right now for $10 (68x110,113,115). Phil Wood makes one but expensive, need cup tool too.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...tom%20Brackets
Also, I second the idea of a Sugino xd300 (all steel rings) over the xd600 (all Al rings). Replace the 46t steel ring with a 40-42-44t Al sugino ring for ~$20 - you end up with the durability of steel for granny and middle rings, and most of the weight savings of the xd600 crank by swapping the big ring for Al. Plus save $20 bucks and have a spare big ring.