TrackMonkey7

When I was building up my Fuji, I used parts from my track bike/commuter, including the cheap Shimano BB. It only took a trainer session and a track day before the plastic non drive cup cracked, causing all sorts of fun noises. Obviously I need a more sturdy BB setup.The crank sets I can get through my shop are the Omniums, FSA Carbon Track, and Sugino 75. The Omniums are well known to be the best bang for the buck, as they come with a BB. I'm not really considering the FSAs, as they are the most expensive choice, and don't come with a BB. The Suginos don't come with a BB, but I can order either the cartridge bearing BB or the loose bearing, which gives me the option of using a low viscosity lube for race day. The downsides with the Omniums are well known. They have a thick spider which means chainring changes can be difficult, and frame clearance can be an issue, though my Fuji Track Pro has dimpled stays which solves that problem. They also have a wide Q-factor, which I am also okay with. Finally, I've read that a few years ago, the stock BB has less than stellar bearings. I've also read that they've since improved, but either way, a decent external BB plus the cost of some Omniums is still less than a Sugino 75 loose bearing BB and crankset.

Ultimately, I'm more tempted by the Omniums due to their cost effectiveness, in spite of the flaws. I should imagine that the two are very nearly the same in regards to stiffness, though I would imagine the Omniums to be stiffer, because of its external BB, and thicker spider and crank arms. Am I missing something here? Most of the advice that I've read tends to point people away from the Omniums for the purposes of strict track racing, but as the Sugino setup is my only alternative, which is the better buy?

carleton

I believe that you can use other bottom brackets with the Sugino 75 than the Sugino 75 BB. So, you may be able to save money on that setup that way.

The Omnium BB is OK. But, I don't think it will last as many years as higher-end BBs.

Don't worry about a BB that you can trick out with some low viscosity lube for a special event. I've done that and didn't notice any difference...neither did the guy with the stopwatch

The French national team (including Gregory Bauge) used Sugino 75 and Sugino Grand Mighty cranks for years. So, stiffness shouldn't be a problem.

I haven't done the math on the two setups. Will you post the prices for each?

Soil_Sampler

Purchase a better BB for the crankset that you already have?

TrackMonkey7

Maybe it won't make much difference. But I thought it was a cool idea . The Omnium with BB would cost me about $160. The Sugino 75 cranks would cost me $166. If I remember correctly, the Sugino cartridge BB is extremely affordable, I think it might cost me less than $20.

The crankset and BB I'm using now is going to my old track frame to be turned into a commuter.

slindell

Sugino 75 is a 109 mm ISO taper. The cheaper Sugino BBs are 103mm JIS taper so not compatible. The NJS BBs are al the same as far as I know so Hatta is ok. Miche has a lower cost sealed BB that works and the 111 mm Campy BBs are close enough and upscale Phil Woods.
The Omnium is fine and really just needs shorter bolts to work with other chainrings. For that price it will be hard to match.

carleton

Then they are pretty even. Pick the one that gets you excited.

TrackMonkey7

To be honest, I've wanted Omniums for some time now, and their price is a plus. What's putting me off are their flaws and the fact that at an elite level, Suginos can be found amongst all the Dura-Ace cranks (which are way out of my price range), and Omniums, despite being a little more advanced in design, are nowhere to be found.

Kayce

There are a good amount of omniums at world cups. They are on the bikes of riders that don't get everything for free.

Soil_Sampler

More like design quirks and fitment issues than flaws.
+1
semi-sponsored or unsponsored riders.