Cheap crankset

thehairs1970

I need to change my crankset (square taper) to a smaller one as the one I have is too highly geared for my local terrain. I think its 52/48. Can anyone recommend something cheap to replace it? Or should I change the cassette? Its only 6 speed on a 27 x 1 1/4. Again any recommendations?

chriskempton

Hi,

Think you need to give a bit more detail for people to help you here:

1. What are the ring sizes on your current setup - a 52/48 would be nuts (too close together) unless someone's put together two old chainrings as a stopgap. Can you check (count the teeth), suspect it might be more like 52/42.

2. What is the range of your cassette (teeth on biggest and smallest sprockets)? Equally importantly, is it a cassette, or a screw on freewheel? Most likely it's a screw on by the sound of it, but this impacts what's available as a replacement

3. Is there any limit on what you'd be prepared to spend and what's the value of the whole bike? It might not be economic to change the gearing.

4. What terrain will you be riding, and what's your general state of fitness?

Cheers,
Chris

blackhands

Cheap chainset here - its 172.5mm which shouldn't make a difference to you and will fit on your axle.

http://www.gbcycles.co.uk/eshop.asp?wci ... T+CRANKSET

thehairs1970

Sorry for the lack in reply.

Chainset is 52/44

Cassette is 14/24 six speed. Don't know if its a screw on type or not.

Martyn

thehairs1970

Forgot to say, terrain is Dartmoor. i.e. Hills and long steep ones at that.

Fitness, could be better but try hard. I normally ride MTB and originally got the bike to train when too squelchy on the trails.

I'm intending to do the 100km Dartmoor classic and the bike is likely to do this with me.

Martyn

Mike67

I think from what you are saying, you'd be looking at a compact crankset (as recommended above) or even a triple if you struggle on the hills (would need a new LH shifter though .

Stronglight are a good make and do this one (bit more expensive) in square taper (JIS, Shimano type, the crankset above would need an ISO/Campag square taper BB), and a good range of sizes and ring combinations. For Dartmoor I personally would go for a 50/34 or 48/34 then at least you can get some speed up for the downhills with your 14 rear cog.

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b0s109p45

You can even specify your own ring combination for a few extra squid.

I have a set of Stronglight Speedlight square taper cranks (use them on my cross bike), they are stiff, strong and light to boot.

One thing to bear in mind is how much wear there is on your rear cogs. If you're getting new front rings, and your rears are worn then a new cassette and chain may be in order to keep things running sweet.


The other thing to check with a new crankset is that your bottom bracket axle length is correct for the new kit. A few mm difference should be OK but it may affect your chainline adversley if it's way out.

sturmey

Well, I think the recommendation above for the £20 compact from GB Cycles would get my vote. You won't get a cheaper one.
The Stronglight one is 3 times the price.

I bought a Centaur chainset from GB last year for £28 for my square taper BB and it's been great .