New crankset? (Noob)
 

So I've recently been doing up my hybrid and have pretty much had to replace everything from wheels, brakes, handlebars, tyres... And now I'm thinking to finish it off I wouldn't mind replacing the crank set as I've done almost everything else. I've bought most parts on eBay, can anyone recommend a decent crankset? I'm on a budget as my wife's started to notice the constant stream of parcels arriving. The frame is a Claud Butler urban 300, I'll add images but can't seem to off my phone.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=417328This is my bike. Ive also recently changed the tyres to Schwalbe marathons and have replaced to handlebar stem.

Well, my initial thought is "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." But, I know I would probably do the same thing.

What (if anything) would you like in a crankset that your current crankset doesn't provide?

I just installed a new M361 crank on my Trek 7.3 FX, since it pretty much matches what it already had, but I switched crank length. The M361 could be suitable for your bike, and is available very inexpensively. If higher end is your thing, go as high in the Shimano line as you can, while retaining 8 speed compatability.

The main reason I would like to change is because the bike was in pretty bad condition when I bought it, in fact I only paid £10 for it (though well over £100 on parts) but the pedals won't come off. I've trie everything but they seem to be almost rounded off completely now so I figured may aswell change the whole lot. The M361 looks a good option and I like the look of the price. I really didn't want to spend much on the bike initilly but it seems I've become slightly obsessed and am really ehjoying learning as I go ;)

Since it is in such sad shape, you may want to consider replacing the bottom bracket as well... They last a long time, but if the bike is so trashed that you can't remove the pedals, it could be worth the cost to get peace of mind.

Note, that changing the crank requires a puller, and the BB requires a special tool. Be sure to add those to your projected costs.

Thanks, I've been on YouTube watching tutorials and it seems fairly straight forward but let's see if I'm still saying that when the bike is in bits :) on your advice have looked at some bottom brackets and once I work out which size I need I may as well get one and have a go at replacing it. At the moment the bike works fine and does me to work and back every day. The problem is on my way home I pass a bike shop and I guess I just want mine to be good as new. The irony is by the time I have it like that I could just have we'll have bought a new bike, but I love to take things apart so where would be the fun in that :)

I would think something like this would work just fine.

Shimano Altus M311 28X38X48T 7 8spd 175mm Square Crankset w Guard Black | eBay

Butttttt, I think a silver one would look better with your bike, unless you are going for the black/light contrast.

I agree I think silver would look better. Fitted schwalbe marathons tonight , loving the feel of them. Are they as good as people say at avoiding punctures?

I don't want to say anything, without knocking on wood - good choice.

Or, black rings with silver arms would pick both up.