Is there any reason for me to replace my crank? It's a FSA Vero crank that came stock on my Lager. I'm 6'4" but I'm really skinny, so I highly doubt I'm flexing the crank or anything. The BB seems fine, but I don't know how to tell when it's bad. I guess it's one of those things where you'll know when it needs replacing?
The reason I ask is because I have a chance to grab a gently used Sugino RD2 crank (black) for a decent price. But then I'd need to replace the BB too. I'm thinking I should just stick with what I have but wanted advice from someone who knows (aka- you guys). It would be fun to "upgrade" and to have a black crank to match the black chainring. I've heard good things about the RD2 but I don't understand what makes it better than what I have now?

Kilo TT.

Ahem...

This is your SEVENTH thread in 10 days about upgrading your bike.

This is getting weird.

Agreed. Buy the RD2's, and put them in your closet for the build you need to be planning to do.

Right on. Thanks for the helpful replies.
Is it seriously that odd for one to upgrade components on a bike?
Do you guys all just go out and drop big bucks on a complete bike that's just exactly the way you want it and then never touch it or think about touching it?

I don't see this as abnormal. You know those car guys who are always putting higher performance parts on their cars? I'm like them, but with a bike.

Anyone else care to give any input as to what (if anything) is "wrong" or lacking with a FSA Vero crank?

Hey! You have no idea how entertaining it is for us road riders do drop in to SS/FG and look the OCD.

- It's bent
- It's broken
- It's covered in live hepatitis
- Because you want to

I'm guessing that last one applies to you. And there's nothing wrong with that.

It's not abnormal to upgrade things, but you seem to want to upgrade [nearly] literally everything. You'd be happier in the end with someone that you pick out all the components for, because you're obviously not happy with much of your Lager. You're going to end up at the point where you've upgraded everything on it, and you're not happy with the frame still, so you won't be happy with the bike. You'd be best to keep riding your Lager as is, start planning a fresh build(on a nice frame that you like the color of), collecting parts, and then building up a bike you like.

The difference with people putting higher performance parts on their car is that it usually had a better foundation to begin with. You don't buy an econo car that you don't even like, then throw a bunch of money in "performance" parts on it(because it will never be a performance car). It just doesn't make sense.

The Vero is a low-end crankset sold on entry-level bikes. It's probably fine for your Lager, especially if you have no real reason to upgrade.

Remember Carleton mentioning spending money to solve problems? Is there a problem with your current crankset?

Fair enough. Thanks for the advice all.

BTW, since some of you came at me as though I was all gung ho about upgrading the crank and definitely knew I absolutely NEEDED to upgrade it... this is from the OP

"I'm thinking I should just stick with what I have but wanted advice from someone who knows (aka- you guys)."

ride your bike, upgrade when something breaks

See? You are trying to simplify the matter. You have asked about upgrading damn near everything on your bike.

No. But, a little planning will help keep you from wasting time and money.

Yes, and I've seen a guy turn a Jetta into something similar to a BMW M3...and it took him 4 years and he spent twice as much as what he would have spent on a quality used M3. Keep in mind that he had all of the funds up-front (inheritance or something). Looking back, he should have just bought the M3 and did minor upgrades (wheels, maybe) instead of overhauling his Jetta and paying a-la-carte for parts and labor.

When you press down on it with your foot does it turn the chain (forwards or backwards)? If so, then nothing is wrong with it.



Look, man, you came here asking for advice and you are getting it...but you don't like it.

Why don't you either:

A) Go find a bike that is 90% of what you want then upgrade the other 10%.

B) Start a "dream bike" project and start collecting parts whenever you get some spare cash.


Stop trying to put perfume on a pig (It's a figure of speech. I'm not calling your bike a pig. You are the one unhappy with it, not us.)

If you want a Bad Ass bike, then build a Bad Ass bike. Stop nickel and diming your way through this. That is not the right way to do it.

I asked the following questions in my orig post-
1. Is there any reason I should replace my crank?
2. How do you know when your BB needs replacing?
3. What's so special about the Sugino RD2 armset?

The responses I received addressed none of those. (other than wendell and maybe hairnet)
So please don't tell me it's my problem that I don't like the replies to my questions. That's definitely not the issue. And I'd like to point out yet again, this line from the OP...
"I'm thinking I should just stick with what I have but wanted advice from someone who knows (aka- you guys)."

I don't want to come in here as a n00b and talk sh1t to the uber elite king carleton, but give me a break man. You act like you're so bothered to be here and so bothered to respond. And if so, just don't reply. Especially if you're just going to nag me. Worse than my ol' lady, seriously...
If I want your help, I'll use the thread specifically designated for such occasions.

Pretty sure roadies have more OCD.

You have no idea how entertaining it is for me to browse the 41 and.... oh yeah... it's not.

You missed this:

See? Now you are getting testy about all of this. If you don't want opinions here's a tip: Don't ask for opinions. It's a simple as that.

How about I combine all of your threads into one? Seriously.

So by your logic, then everyone should/would have an FSA Vero crank or similar right? Why would anyone get a real spendy/upgraded crank unless they somehow broke their current crank arms in half?


You must do what you feel is right of course.


You're arrogant, man. It's not the worst thing in the world to be. I've been accused of it. But just saying - you are arrogant. I hope you know that.

My advice has always been: Upgrade to solve a particular problem. No problem in particular? No need to upgrade.

Honestly, This is the way I started with my bike too, just like the OP. And I'm paying for it. But on the path to correctness, which I've been guided down by forum members here, I've only been solving what is broken/doesn't work for me or fit. And even then, its been happening slowly.

OP, even though they aren't the nicest parts, just wait until there really is a problem with them before upgrading them. I waited to buy new wheels until by axles were bowed and spokes started breaking. Everyone here, even if they say it in a sarcastic way, is saying the same thing. Ain't broke, don't need fixin. Its easier, and you'll save a bit of money that way. It also gives you more time to plan and do research on what parts will work best for you and your bike.

Also, I wouldn't say Carleton is arrogant. For one thing, dude's been around the block a few times, and really knows his stuff. Another reason, Carleton is all powerful. Do not upset the Gods of SSFG.

See, your response was nice. His, not so much.
I'm not saying Carleton doesn't know a lot. I'm just saying he's kind of a **** about it. And no one is 100% right all the time.
Whatever, I guess it's my fault for asking and for not knowing a lot about bikes. I'm sorry about that guys. I thought this was an online forum for discussions and whatnot. I didn't realize it was a stroke Carleton's ego party.

Orange juice hurts when it comes out of your nose. Damn you Carleton.

And it just keeps getting better.
I'm curious;
In looking at the OP's photo, the bike looks brand new.
Has it ever been ridden, or is it kept just for upgrading?

You guys are helpful AND hilarious. Gee whiz am I glad I found this place.
How crazy of me to think that guy who doesn't know a ton about bikes but loves the efficiency and simplicity of a singlespeed bike could just waltz in here and (gasp) ask questions and seek answers from the more knowledgable and experienced members.
You guys are the reason why people think fixed gear riders are elitist a$$holes.

You're looking at a photo of a chain, tire, and chainring that are a week old. I just so happened to upgrade those things last week. If I actually cared what either of you thought, I'd post a pic of the stock chainring and the damaged teeth, the old cracking tires, and the stock KMC410 chain that has seen 3 years of use and abuse. I didn't realize I had to prove myself to you guys. I'm sorry, I'm not worthy.

Just razzing you, man.

PS- this is what my chainring looked like before replacing. Not as pointy at the tips but plenty of that mushed/bent metal on each tooth. Not saying it's because I'm so awesome or strong, I think it was a low quality part. And even though I know I should never EVER under ANY circumstances upgrade ANYTHING on my bike... I went ahead and did so.