Crank Opinion...

[BlugrassBri]

Looking for opinions on a crank upgrade....I ride/race strictly xc stuff, so no hucks or drops...here's what I am looking at:

Race Face Prodigy XC
Shimano LX
Shimano XT

Anyone recommend one over the other...or other options?

Thanks-Brian

[johnnyt]

Race face - Just say no to shitmano!

I have a set of the prodigys - They are light and extremely stiff. I do some hucking with them and have not had any problems at all. Plus you get color choices! Support our northern neighbors - go with the face!

JT

[CouchingTiger]

If it was the high end RaceFace I'd say yea, but the prodigy stuff is problematic so I say nay. The Shimano will just work and the BB's are better quality/reliability than the RaceFace.

The lower end RaceFace ISIS Prodigy stuff has given a number of us problems. Additionally, the forgings are not super strong. PK blew the pedal spindle/crank threads out of a set on the 1st or 2nd ride. Both AA and I had issues with the arms staying tight on ISIS Prodigy sets. BTW, the Prodigy stuff is their OEM mainly, made in Taiwan line.

The high end RaceFace stuff is awesome. The only cranks I use.

The Shimano LX or XT should work fine and be very reliable.

-Couch

[C.P.]

Bri,

I am in agreement with Couch. The lower end "Prodigy" product from RF is not even worth putting the name RaceFace on.

Shimano Bottom Brackets are also great in the quality dept.

Bottom line - For a budget minded crank choice, Shimano is a very good choice.

If you're willing to spend a little more, then I recommend Race Face high end product.

[BlugrassBri]

thanks guys...when you say that the high end race face stuff is worth getting what sets it apart from the rest and what could I expect to feel for a difference?

here's where I am now...I bought a used hardtail last year with older 170mm XT cranks on it(1997 or so)...I want to get 175 mm cranks but I am unable to find replacement cranks of that era so I am looking at getting an entirely new drivetrain b/c its also getting somewhat worn out...I am staying in the 8 speed realm....have a new xtr 8speed cassette I plan on using with the new cranks/rings and a 9speed chain...

[johnnyt]

I stand corrected :o...I do not have the prodigy cranks, I have the Turbine LP. So, here is my updated recommendation...Although I agree with CP and Couch that the shitmano is a good bang for the buck, I still recommend doing some shopping around to find a good deal on anything but the microsoft of the bike industry! Buy something made on this continent...

[C.P.]

Bri,

Are you budgeting for a new Bottom Bracket with your new crankset? (highly recommended) If so, then look for the newer splined type BB/cranks.
If not, there are deals for older stylesquare taper cranksets on ebay...like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3615989517&category=42 317

RE: Raceface higher end product - simply put - it just works, and keeps right on working - even after beating after beating...Even with neglect - the Race Face "Turbine LP's and their other high end cranks have never let me down...they are just that good.

[BlugrassBri]

Bri,

Are you budgeting for a new Bottom Bracket with your new crankset? (highly recommended) If so, then look for the newer splined type BB/cranks.
If not, there are deals for older stylesquare taper cranksets on ebay...like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3615989517&category=42 317

RE: Raceface higher end product - simply put - it just works, and keeps right on working - even after beating after beating...Even with neglect - the Race Face "Turbine LP's and their other high end cranks have never let me down...they are just that good.


yes, I am budgeting for a new bb...the one on the bike is old so a replacement definatly won't hurt...


another quick question....does anyone think there will be a problem running a 9speed crank/rings in front, 8 speed cassette in back with a 9speed chain?

[SloMoJo]

One more comment on the Prodigy stuff.

I had read poor comments on the isis prodigy stuff, which is why I went with square taper instead. It's simple and does right fine by me.

I just can not see paying the cost of high end Race Face cranks. You're gonna bang em up anyway. But that's just me.

Of the choices, I'de say Prodigy square. But I only have one bike...what the hell do I know? ;)

ps..I did not go with RF bottom bracket tho.

Take a look at the Truvativ Stylo Teams. I've had good luck with them. I opted NOT to use the alloy bolts that came with them. No complaints as far as stiffness, strength or weight (I'm 170lbs). They shift great. They were designed to compete with XTR but at a much more reasonable price point...you can get last years model for a song.

I went with a RF BB based on a recommendation that the Truvativ 2002 stuff had issues.

I have the RF Turbine LP on another bike that had endured years of heavy use. They were just too pricey this time around.

Good luck.

NOO

SMJ - You are very elusive. You bummed a few beers from me at Bear Brook and then disappeared into the night....

[SloMoJo]

That does not sound like me....

Apologies NOO....
I went to check on my camp site...and met a pretty gal that took me for a walk. Got back later, but you had split...with your budweisers. ;)

My bad.

[crapding]

Additionally, the forgings are not super strong. PK blew the pedal spindle/crank threads out of a set on the 1st or 2nd ride. Both AA and I had issues with the arms staying tight on ISIS Prodigy sets.
-Couch


I had the same problem with some of RF's lower end stuff. I blew the pedal right out of the crank and had to ride home with one foot. It was hell.

Go with Shamano.

[C.P.]

another quick question....does anyone think there will be a problem running a 9speed crank/rings in front, 8 speed cassette in back with a 9speed chain?



Bri,

You shouldn't have any problems with this combo. (rear der shifting should be fine)
You might have sluggish shifting up front with an eight speed style front derailer, but you could still get it to work...

[gungywump]

another quick question....does anyone think there will be a problem running a 9speed crank/rings in front, 8 speed cassette in back with a 9speed chain?



Bri,

You shouldn't have any problems with this combo. (rear der shifting should be fine)
You might have sluggish shifting up front with an eight speed style front derailer, but you could still get it to work...


I disagree,
The 9speed chain is narrower than the 8speed chain. The 9speed chain will have difficulty with the 8spd cassette. An 8spd chain should work on the 9spd rings though. Plus, the 8spd chain is a little stronger. Get a SRAM/Sachs/Sedis PC58 chain. Stay away from Sh*tmano chains they break too easily. ;)

[CouchingTiger]

I agree w/ GW that the 8spd chain is likely a better solution w/ an 8spd cassette. I would like to point out though (because a similar misconception is often raised for SS bikes) that an 8spd chain is stronger. In reality, a narrower chain, given that the outer plates and pins are the same size (thickness) is actually stronger.

The weakness is in the plate/pin connection point so the shorter the pins the less overhang off the side of the ring and thus the less force.

If you want a stronger chain you need one w/ thicker plates and pins.

My $.02.

-Couch

[gungywump]

I agree w/ GW that the 8spd chain is likely a better solution w/ an 8spd cassette. I would like to point out though (because a similar misconception is often raised for SS bikes) that an 8spd chain is stronger. In reality, a narrower chain, given that the outer plates and pins are the same size (thickness) is actually stronger.

The weakness is in the plate/pin connection point so the shorter the pins the less overhang off the side of the ring and thus the less force.

If you want a stronger chain you need one w/ thicker plates and pins.

My $.02.

-Couch


I agree with Couch's criteria for strength. And I beleive that the plates on the 9spd chain are also thinned a bit. But, don't quote me on that. I just know that in the shop we see ALOT more broken 9s than 8s.

[BlugrassBri]

;)
thanks everyone...I've decided to go the race face turbine LP route...figuring that I won't be needing to upgrade for quite some time:) :)

[gungywump]

;)
thanks everyone...I've decided to go the race face turbine LP route...figuring that I won't be needing to upgrade for quite some time:) :)


Nice choice! Can I recommend the 5-bolt compact ISIS?

[johnnyt]

Good choice - Way to stop the shitmano madness!

[C.P.]

Great selection! I second the compact ISIS as your option.

[BlugrassBri]

What benefit do I gain by going ISIS vs taper? better contact between crank and bb?

[gungywump]

What benefit do I gain by going ISIS vs taper? better contact between crank and bb?



Exactly. The ISIS offers MUCH more surface area. The biggest advantage though is that as the cranks are taken on and off the bike the ISIS doesn't change. It engages the ISIS teeth and you tighten until the crank is against the lip at the end of the teeth. Every time reinstall a crank with a taper it pushes it ever so slightly further onto the spindle deforming the crank at the point of contact. It would be nearly impossible over time to develop play in an ISIS system.

[BlugrassBri]

UPDATE...

Thanks again for everything...I just got all the pieces...

Used Race Face Turbine LP cranks (from ebay)
Replacement rings for cranks
8sp XTR cassette
PC58 chain

all for 200 bux...I did some searching on-line and ebay...

I am having the local bike shop install all this stuff and will get a new bb through them....

can't wait to get everything on:)

[EricM3]

It doesn't matter what crank you have, just get the right length and BCD pattern.

Bike parts don't make you faster. Bike rides make you faster. i would go with LX because it's cheap and gets the job done fine.

[BlugrassBri]

It doesn't matter what crank you have, just get the right length and BCD pattern.

Bike parts don't make you faster. Bike rides make you faster. i would go with LX because it's cheap and gets the job done fine.


Agreed...however, after installing all of this stuff (which I broke down and bought all the tools to do) I have noticed a definate improvement with the longer cranks...while it is true bike rides make you faster the bike definatly plays a key role.