Stray Cat

I am having issues with with my Force crankset. I had my mechanic put it on and it was binding. Took it to 2 more mechanics at the Hotter'N Hell Hundred and they said "find the SRAM guy". Left a note on his car, he drove off and I never got a call. In the morning, I took it to, of all people, the shimano guys. Went off to get my chip for the ride, came back, and it was actually spinning.

Did the 102 mile ride and checked up on the crank post ride. Spinning but there is PLENTY of resistance.

I've had absolute HELL trying to get this crankset to work. Is there some reason this crank is so picky? Did I just get a bad crank? (There is also a slight bend in the large chain ring) This shouldn't happen with a $400+ crank no?

I gave SRAM a call and they weren't interested in talking to me. They said take it to a shop even after I explained the entire 24 hour hassle of there product. Seemed to care less. Real nice.


Call up my lbs and they tell me it was most likely installed wrong and to bring it in. If it's not an installation problem, they'll send it in to warranty and it can take up to 3 weeks. Another LBS told me I'd be paying shipping. Very nice.


Taking it into the shop tomorrow morning but am not looking forward to being bikeless if it is a defected crank! We'll see.

Anyone else had these sorts of problem with SRAM cranks or dealt with warranty issues? This is starting to make me regret not ordering the PBK dura ace group when it was in stock (172.5).

Thanks for your input.
-Zack

ggg300

good luck

UT_Dude

I still think it sounds like a BB problem. Cranks don't spin on their own, so unless it's rubbing part of the frame, you have a bind in the BB, or that would be my diagnosis.

oopfoo

I think the OP is saying "crank" since it's one of the Giga-pipe-Mega-EXO-outboard-whatever bottom brackets on this particular unit.

These particular units are known to be sluggish out of the box, and even SRAM says they'll "break in" over the first thousand miles, then spin freely like an old Campy square-taper. If it's truly BINDING, there's probably something mis-installed or there's something bad wrong with the bottom bracket shell that's causing the crank spindle to be "twisted" in the installation. For example, a slight cross-threading in one side would cause the bearing on that side to be slightly off-kilter and cause inordinate friction there. Of course, it's going to be a weird little cross thread, because normally it'd be very noticeable and the crank spindle wouldn't go through anyway.

If it's just a bit sluggish, it may just be the aforementioned issue with a new bottom bracket.

Personally, I'd get the bottom bracket checked--including the threads--and barring any problems there, I'd go ahead and get a set of replacement bearings and cups--the whole assembly other than the crank. It only costs about $20 at discount, and about $40 retail, so it's not going to destroy your wallet if you DO have to buy it yourself due to crappy service. That'll probably do it for you.

prendrefeu

It's your bottom bracket, not the crank. Furthermore, it's either a faulty BB you happen to have, or your original installer ****ed it up long ago and you've been blaming SRAM ever since. Good luck.

JBS103

I wouldn't be suprised if that is just the way it is. Most FSA setups also tend to be very sluggish upon installation in terms of spinning freely. They do break in according to the mechanics at my shop.

GuitarWizard

Mine was "sluggish" as well, and didn't spin "freely" like my Ultegra crank would.....but, that's the way it is.

My only problem with the Force crank was my crank kept loosening up. The shop ended up putting some loctite on it, and haven't had a problem since. I think the guy at the shop said whoever installed my crank didn't grease the threads. Nice.

cwdzoot

Have to be honest on this one, SRAM and FSA Bottom brackets are a BIG problem. Shimano are 50/50 they work but are not fantastic. Campagnolo UT is fantastic.

We have had such problems with Shimano,FSA and SRAM I have to wonder if they sent this to market with any testing.

linus

Incorrect.

I have had all four cranks and I still have Campy UT and Shimano. If you install them correctly, you shouldn't have a problem. I admit that FSA was kind of PITA because you need Loctite and torque wrench to install them correct but if you do, they are okay.

FWIW, Campy UT crank spins freely than all the rest.

Stray Cat

Update: Bearings are a bit narrower. The spacers weren't in the box and it didn't have any clearance when tightened hence the binding. Shop said "We're just going to say this a SRAM warranty" and gave me a new bottom bracket. Waiting on the spacers now to try out the ceramic.

Thanks for all the replies and help.

shogun17

/\I mentioned this before I think. DA crank = lighter, cheaper, stiffer, better shifting, better looking, comprehensibly tested.........

But it isn't Force. I hope all goes well.

Stray Cat

I've got one in the mail.

If I like it, it's going to get hard anodized black.

shogun17

Inseparable (at least, press fitted so its not advisable) steel spindle. Can't be done. Many people want Shimano to do it, but the mythic black DA cranks is still non existent (except the painted one on the livestrong bike)

samsation7

Is Sram Cust. Service generally this bad? I've never dealt with shimano customer service, but that's because my shimano parts have been faultless.

I want to make the leap to red and all these failure posts are pulling my reg leg at the ankle. Maybe next year.

JayC

SRAM warrantied a set of shifters for me in less than a week. I was surprised with how quick the turnaround was.