Looking at getting cranks.

[guest_s]

I like the Truvativ cranks on my P.2. so I was thinking about some for my XC bike. I have the original '98 Shimano LX cranks. They are nice cranks, but the middle chainring is bent and since they are some funky Shimano 4 bolt thing, I was just thinking of upgrading the whole thing. I really want a splined spindle like ISIS. I saw some RaceFace Prodigy and Truvativ FireX cranks that use ISIS. I don't have the money to get top of the line stuff. So what do you guys think is best for under $100.00 (cranks only)? I also saw that the newer Shimano LX cranks had a splinded BB, are those pretty good too?

[guest_s]

I saw XT and LX cranks that say they are hollowtech.....what the heck is that.....a hollow spindle or something?

[Kingbozo]

I saw XT and LX cranks that say they are hollowtech.....what the heck is that.....a hollow spindle or something?
Isn't that what Shimanno calls its latest bottom bracket design? Debuted on XTR. BB is a hollow spindle permanently attached to the drive side crank. The non drive crank is connected kind of like a stem on a steerer tube.

[zerpy]

I saw XT and LX cranks that say they are hollowtech.....what the heck is that.....a hollow spindle or something?
The crank arms are actually hollow. They've been doing it for a few years now and it's actually worked good. Now on the '04 XT stuff, the spindle is hollow as well, same design as the '03 XTR with the outboard bearings.

If you look around you can get a good deal on the '04 XT cranks. They retail for like $250 - $300, but I got mine new in the box off e-bay for $165 shipped (from singapore). Even an LX crankset with BB is going to be prob about $125, so it was only marginally more for a kick-a$$ crankset.

I had a truvativ crankset on my bike and I was far from impressed. All I can say is creak-creak-creak-creak-creeeeaaaaakkkkk!!!! It just about drove me nuts- shoot too late:crazy:

How do you bend the middle chain ring?

[guest_s]

Isn't that what Shimanno calls its latest bottom bracket design? Debuted on XTR. BB is a hollow spindle permanently attached to the drive side crank. The non drive crank is connected kind of like a stem on a steerer tube.
The cranks I see don't come with a spindle, they are in 3 pieces....not two like the XTRs.

[PWAXON]

I got a Deore hollowtech crank last year which you can get with the Octalink option if you want. The only difference between LX and Deore is the LX replaceable rings are aluminum. I’ve been happy with it.

[bradpartyka]

Hey,

How are the Raceface Progidy cranks? I was thinking of getting those. You can get them off of pricepoint with the bottom bracket for $114.00.

With that stated, how can I make sure the bottom bracket will fit? I read on one review concerning my Trek Liquid I am building from MTBR.com that one guy had a problem with his cranks hitting the back part of the frame because the bottom bracket was too small.
I can't find any tech specs on what size the frame will take.

[guest_s]

Hey,

How are the Raceface Progidy cranks? I was thinking of getting those. You can get them off of pricepoint with the bottom bracket for $114.00.

With that stated, how can I make sure the bottom bracket will fit? I read on one review concerning my Trek Liquid I am building from MTBR.com that one guy had a problem with his cranks hitting the back part of the frame because the bottom bracket was too small.
I can't find any tech specs on what size the frame will take.
Yeah, I was wondering how you do this too. I guess you can always measure your current spindle, but cranks very so much, how do you know they will clear chainstays or not?

[BADEXPRESSO]

I have the '04 XT cranks with a hollow BB. Nice and light compared to my old cranks.

[zerpy]

Yeah, I was wondering how you do this too. I guess you can always measure your current spindle, but cranks very so much, how do you know they will clear chainstays or not?
From what I've heard and read, this is the sucky part of doing your own cranks. Your LBS, has a variety of different sized BB to get the right fit, but you yourself will play musical BB until you get the right size.

But, this is where the '04 XT is nice, with the integrated BB it's pretty much one size fits all. The BB bearings are outboard so you pretty much automatically get the right spacing.

[guest_s]

From what I've heard and read, this is the sucky part of doing your own cranks. Your LBS, has a variety of different sized BB to get the right fit, but you yourself will play musical BB until you get the right size.

But, this is where the '04 XT is nice, with the integrated BB it's pretty much one size fits all. The BB bearings are outboard so you pretty much automatically get the right spacing.
I am familiar with the BMX cranks. Usually they, like Profiles, have a floating spindle and you can slide it either way and use spacers to space your cranks correctly. This way, they only need 1 size spindle and you can fine turn your spacing to any frame.

I used to have a pair of Profile Chromoly MTB cranks, on my Kona in the mid '90's, and they had a Euro BB with the floating spindle design where the bearings and spindle are not built as 1 piece. I like that way better and if a sealed bearing goes bad, you just replace the bearing. They still make these cranks, but they are kinda heavy for XC stuff. They would be great for Downhill or Freeride.

Here is a link.

http://www.profileracing.com/

The best thing about Profile Racing is that they are Made in U.S.A. baby!!!!

Nice stuff.

[Thewavebb]

I used the race face prodigy cranks for two seasons . They rarely creak, reasonable in weight, and cheap. As far as stiffness goes, I like my XT's betterIf you are running a shimano drivechain setup (F & R derail., Cassette) You may want to look at getting Shimano cranks. The cranks will have been engineered to work great with shimano parts Your shifting will be better and more smooth. However, I have no complaints with the prodigy cranks they suited there purpose.

[bradpartyka]

Well, no matter what I go with I need a new Bottom Bracket even if I use my old Shimano Cranks. This thing is creaking so bad it sounds like it is going to fall apart.

How would I measure for it? How far out would I go past the chain stay?

[Kingbozo]

You guys might be able to glean some info here.


http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/bottombrackets.html

[TML]

Well, no matter what I go with I need a new Bottom Bracket even if I use my old Shimano Cranks. This thing is creaking so bad it sounds like it is going to fall apart.

How would I measure for it? How far out would I go past the chain stay?
If you remove your old one, the exact size should be printed somewhere on it.

[bradpartyka]

If you remove your old one, the exact size should be printed somewhere on it.
That won't help. My question was referring to an earlier post about the new frame I am building up. A Trek Liquid. I don't know what size I need for that. I'm going from a hardtail to Full Suspension and may use my old cranks for the time being, but the bottem bracket is shot. Or I was thinking of purchasing new cranks, but either way I need to know the size of the BB for the Trek Liquid.

[TML]

That won't help. My question was referring to an earlier post about the new frame I am building up.
That's right. I forgot you were building this fresh. It looks like trek has an email where you can ask technical questions. askzack@trekbikes.com

If you shot them an email I'm sure they could tell ya. Good luck.

--Troy

[jaybird]

That won't help. My question was referring to an earlier post about the new frame I am building up. A Trek Liquid. I don't know what size I need for that. I'm going from a hardtail to Full Suspension and may use my old cranks for the time being, but the bottem bracket is shot. Or I was thinking of purchasing new cranks, but either way I need to know the size of the BB for the Trek Liquid.
Better bet... Give the LBS you got the frame from a call. They should have that info for you. If not, call one of the other Trek dealers in the area and ask them.

[nigel]

That won't help. My question was referring to an earlier post about the new frame I am building up. A Trek Liquid. I don't know what size I need for that. I'm going from a hardtail to Full Suspension and may use my old cranks for the time being, but the bottem bracket is shot. Or I was thinking of purchasing new cranks, but either way I need to know the size of the BB for the Trek Liquid.
Or post the question on MTBR, always quick responses there and usually accurate info. http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=53

Douglas

[bradpartyka]

Ok, emailed Trek last night. No response yet. I'm afraid they may only give me the Bontrager info since that is what it comes with... We'll see.

Posted on MTBR this morning. Well' wait and see. I actually looked here yesterday and didn't see a spot to post.

Thanks!

[guest_s]

Well, I finally took the plunge. After having all kinds of drivetrain problems on the Maah Daah Hey trip, even to the point that I threw my bike, I took it to One on One to have some new cranks installed. Yep, I got some Deore LX cranks, which have the hollowtech design and a splined spindle. I could have went higher end, but figured these will do the trick for the rest of the season, which then I plan to get a new ride for next summer......hopefully.

One on One just did a whole drivetrain overhaul. Since I got a new XT RD, XTR Cassette, and new chain recently......and now the new cranks, I should be good to go for awhile. It's still all 8 speed......by the time I upgrade to 9 speed, you will all be using 10 speed..........:scream:.