Best crank for the money
09-13-11 | 06:22 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Beer >> Sanity
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,449
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Bikes: 2014 Evo DA2, 2010 Caad9-4, 2011 Synapse-4, 2013 CaadX-disc
Best crank for the money
Looking to build up a commuter and have narrowed it down to a couple steel frames (something from Soma, maybe a Gunnar). Anyway, I'm keeping an eye out for good prices on a crank for said build and not sure what to consider. I have a Rival group (force crank) one my caad and love it, and was thinking a Rival crank would be a good option but they are a bit pricey still. Have heard mixed reviews on some FSA cranks and the Sram Apex. Anyone have experience with these? What else might should I be considering? Something around $100 (new or lightly used) would be great but for something really worthwhile I'd bump that up to the $150 range. Rival cranks are closer to $200 and not sure that's worthwhile. Thanks.
Oh, looking for 175-180 length and compact 50/34.
Oh, looking for 175-180 length and compact 50/34.
09-13-11 | 06:42 PM
#2
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
Tiagra or 105. I'm not sure if you can get them in 180, but mine are 175.
See my shill-a-riffic post here:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post13222029
See my shill-a-riffic post here:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post13222029
09-13-11 | 08:04 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,103
Likes: 4,733
From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
I have two FSA Gossamer cranksets, one compact and one triple. I like the cranks, but the bottom brackets wear out way too quickly (both gave me trouble at ~2500 miles). Fortunately, they are compatible with Shimano and Dura-Ace was cheaper than the FSA replacement.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
09-13-11 | 08:15 PM
#5
Papaya King
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 2
From: Columbus, Ohio (Grandview area)
Bikes: 2009 Felt X City D, 1985 (?) Trek 400, 1995 (?) Specialized Rockhopper, 1995 Trek 850
Wow. 2500 miles. If you had it to do over again, would you just use the Gossamer, throw away the existing BB, and put in a Dura-Ace to begin with?
09-13-11 | 08:57 PM
#6
Thread Starter
Beer >> Sanity
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,449
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Bikes: 2014 Evo DA2, 2010 Caad9-4, 2011 Synapse-4, 2013 CaadX-disc
Yeah, that's what I've been checking. 175-180 compact cranks are few and far between and most seem to be asking upwards of $200. I can buy a new one from Manitou bikes for $175 and maybe elsewhere. I don't think I'd buy used on ebay unless I could get it for under $100.
09-13-11 | 09:13 PM
#7
Full Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 467
Likes: 4
From: Texas
09-13-11 | 09:52 PM
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 82
From: Edmonton, AB
Yours too, eh? The FSA BB on my JTS started seizing up at 3000 km. Thought maybe I was unlucky, but now I wonder if it's a common problem. I have no other complaints about the crank set, but I don't know enough to recommend one over another.
09-13-11 | 10:28 PM
#9
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: I live in Montgomery, Alabama.
Bikes: Cervelo RS; Marin 29er; Masi; Gary Fisher MB
I have about 7,000 miles on my FSA BB with no problems. I would like to try and Dura-Ace crank and BB to see if it improved shifting on my Cervelo RS.
09-14-11 | 02:41 AM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,103
Likes: 4,733
From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
I should also mention that both failed bottom brackets were subjected to some muddy CX racing. That's always a severe test of bearing seals.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
