Has anyone used one of these on their bikes with the shortest of the three axles they offer, the 68mm for a 47.5mm chainline?

I'm considering one for a Rivendell Bombadil, as I need as wider than road chainline for ring clearance. I'm using 185mm arms, so my only other choices are a TA Carmina or High Sierra/Zinn customs.

The Q is low enough with the short axle, 161mm according to Surly. I'm hoping someone has used one to know if the Q is really that low, or they were off with their measurements. Maybe someone with a LHT?


Thanks, Garth

I have read that they are a bit of a pain to keep clean as they aren't well sealed but, like most Surly stuff, are good for being customizable (or used in customizing applications) and generally a good set for the price. I am planning on using one for my fixed build.

Yeah, I'm not sure if I want to use an outboard bearing crank, I may stick to square tapers. I have this feeling that outboard bearing cranks may just be the latest in the revolving door of crank/bottom brackets. Tapered cranks just keep going.

I looked at these cranks for my Surly Pugsley build and decided to go with a Phil Woods square taper BB and some Shimano MTB cranks. I spent less and figured the Phil BB would survive the harsh environments I use my Pugsley better than an external BB.

185mm....dang that's a long crank. i say go for it and give it a try. never been disappointed with a surly product. would you notice much if the q was off a bit?

68 mm is the standard B.B shell with for British / ISO.

My first triple I used on an a Vintage Stumpjumper had a Q of 150mm, later that was 155mm with a different BB. My next triple with 185mm arms was a TA Zephyr, at 156mm. From 150 to 156 was fine.

I tried a Campy triple years ago, and it was very wide, I could never get used to it. The arms cleared the stays by multiple cm's. It felt like I was riding a horse! I want to keep it relatively consistent between my bikes, so I figured +5mm to 161mm Q would be my max.

The only way to know about the Surly is to buy one it seems. But the OB bearing design makes me hesitate. From talking to Surly on the phone they really are very helpful and great to talk with. If it wasn't my aversion to severe cold, I'd even like living in Minnesota again. I was born there, and spent 20+ years hacking out the cold. I guess I had my fill of it!

I'm about to install a Mr. Whirly onto my LHT, thanks to good help from Tobie at https://www.northcentralcyclery.com

From what I know so far, I will need to use the shorter spindle (QBP part # is CR0042 in case you need it). Will also be using the stock Whirly BB and Salsa triple rings.