Talk to me about cranksets
 

I recently acquired an early 1980s Specialized Sequoia frameset with a few extra parts. It does not include the original crank, which was spec'd with a Sugino AT triple. I was initially planning to install a Shimano R600 compact crank (50-34) that I have on hand but it is ugly and doesn't seem like it will look right on the old frame. I might still use the Shimano crank but strongly considering a Sugino if I can find a compact in my size or perhaps the IRD Defiant compact crank.

I really like the looks of the Sugino XD-Alpina cranksets and have one (a triple) on my touring bike, and it has functioned perfectly. However, in searching for another crank, I'm finding that Suginos with 172.5 mm crank arms are very hard to find. I have seen very few of them for sale on eBay and my bike shop says they can only order them with 170 or 175 arms. Although I would prefer to order from my LBS, I have learned from experience not to change bike fit parameters that work. I really messed up my knees one summer when I lowered my seat about 5mm upon the "advice" of a riding friend. So, I am afraid that switching to a 170 or 175 mm crank might cause knee issues. All of my current bikes have 172.5 cranks. Moreover, if I have to switch a different crank arm length, I'm not sure whether to go shorter or longer.

One other point that I would like to mention is that I am a notorious "crank scraper." That is, my shoes rub the crank arms and scuff them up very quickly. So, whatever crank I buy will probably end up with scuffed crank arms in short order unless there are certain models that might help me avoid that. Also, I will be using a Shimano 9-speed group on the bike.

I have found a few on-line sources for Sugino and IRD cranksets for good prices with 172.5 crank arms. So, before I order one, here are my questions:
- The Sugino XD is supposed to take a 107mm bottom bracket in the compact double (50-34). Will this crank work with 9-speed groups? I have seen it described a 7-8 speed compatible. Will the narrow BB width perhaps help with my crank scraping issue?
- The Sugino Alpine and XCD models appear to be more current models with 110 mm BBs and 50-34 chain rings. They also are described as 9-10 compatible.
- The IRD Defiant is a bit more expensive than the Suginos with 46-30 chain rings. It takes a 118mm BB, which is a bit wider than the Suginos, so it seems like it might cause more crank scraping.

Doube Stronglight Impact JIS Double Chainset Road - Chainsets - Ribble Cycles or triple Stronglight Impact JIS Triple Chainset Road - Chainsets - Ribble Cycles
I got double for my Space Horse, setup with 105 10S and opted for matching Stronglight BB - spins forever and very smooth. I am going to ride it today so will snap couple of pics for you and post later

Thanks. Those Stronglight cranks appear to be rebranded Suginos. Same appearance and specs as the Sugino XD.

Ideally, you want to use the length of BB spindle that gives you the most correct chainline. Secondarily, it must provide enough clearance for the crankarms and inner chainring to clear the chainstay. This will vary depending on the frame.

WRT hitting your ankle -- BB width and 'Q' factor are IMHO going to have minimal to no effect on how much you hit your ankle. The pedals you choose will be much more consequential. In fact, you may want to consider some cycling shoes and semi floaty clipless pedals (SPD's or whatever) to keep your feet a little more controlled.

Guidelines are a good starting point, but in practice the necessary width may differ from what the crank manufacturer recommends. This is one reason why sometimes you will be better off simply having a shop do the install. When I was wrenching in the 80s, it would often take a few tries to find the correct length. Buying several BB to get the right one is expensive. IOW, maybe 107 will work, but don't be surprised if you need a 110.

Yes, most likely Suginos but very nice cranks for the price.
Mine are older version, setup with 107 bb, snapped couple fo pics for you before going out

http://i.imgur.com/5iQKSnp.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jYj0Hqq.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/gkDqbRp.jpg

Ritchey also had their Logic cranks made by Sugino, can you make a 175mm triple work for you?

Ritchy Tandem crakset new

My pedals are Shimano M540 SPDs. My shoes seem to contact the left crank arms mostly. I would rather get a compact double for this bike because I have two other touring bikes with triples. If I put a triple on the Sequoia, I would need to buy new derailleurs and perhaps shifters, although I very well might end up replacing the rear derailleur anyway so that I can use a wide-range cassette (11-32).

Something like this?
http://www.pedalroom.com/p/1988-cent...r-27785_13.jpg

Those Sugino compact cranksets are nice looking ! -- Be perfect to replace the leg breaker 600 "tri color" cranksets i have on a couple of bikes with something a bit more Clyde friendly

I am going to look them up tonight and see if they are available in 165's --- something i've been wanting to experiment with to open up my hip angle a little bit

I am partial to some of the vintage Shimano cranks such as the FC6207 double and the FC6206 triple. They are relatively easy to find and look great. I have two of the FC6206 triples installed on an '86 Panasonic DX5000 and an '86 Specialized Stumpjumper. I've used the Sugino XDs, both double and triple. The FC6207 and FC6206 will take a high shine, if you like that sort of thing.

That looks perfect if 172.5!

170.0 I'm afraid, but I'll help you if I can.

Thanks for the headsup, Mongol, and the offer, Robbie. I went ahead and ordered the Stronglight crankset from Ribble as it was only $62 and it's the same as the Sugino XD compact and available in 172.5. Picked up a cassette and pedals as well and got free shipping. All that for less money than just a crankset from US.

I agree, Shimano 600 cranks are pretty but I've never seen one as a compact such as 50-34. I guess you could replace the rings but that could end up costing as much or more than a compact crank.

130mm spider on the conventional cranksets precludes the use of anything smaller than perhaps a 38 if you can find it. (I have some quirky color anodized rings in 130 Shimano pattern in 38 and 44 but Shimano didnt make anything smaller than 39

the newest iterations of the compact are showing up as 52-36 i have seen as an option. This is interesting to me, -- if i'm feeling frisky enough or in the right terrain to big ring it, the extra top end may be a plus