Decent replacement cranks for a cheap road bike

dannydc

Hi all

While I'd love to splash out on a shiny new set of wheels I can't until early next year at best so I'm on my old (usually) trustworthy Giro 300. However, the drive-side crank arm is damaged and the bottom bracket is worn, so I'm looking to replace them. The frame is threaded - I think that's standard though(?), and it's a 16-speed, currently with a square-taper BB and Shimano Sora cranks.

Can anyone recommend a decent bottom bracket and set of cranks? I've been looking at tiagra hollowtech but it seems to be a bit of a minefield. The existing pedals are fine and I think I want 170mm arms but I haven't tested any. The sprockets are probably fine but the chain is new so it might be a good idea to change those anyway I guess...

Any advice is welcomed!

Thanks,
Danny

keezx

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/stronglight- ... prod18394/

You can still use your old bottom bracket.

k-dog

I like the Shimano external bottom brackets - that would be a decent upgrade over what you have. They thread in fine to your frame - although it's a good idea to have the shell faced which will need done at a shop.

You can then get a Hollowtech II chainset - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-tiagra- ... uy-options at 46.99 or there are always loads on eBay for less.

The BB is only about £8.

The stiffer rings are an upgrade too and if your chain's fairly new you shouldn't have any issues - chain rings aren't as sensitive as a cassette to a little wear.

rolf_f

Plus another vote for Stronglight. Excellent rings to fit from both Stronglight and TA at reasonable prices - Spa cycles stock loads of them. They'll do the one Keezx linked to for £50.

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php ... 2b0s109p45

dannydc

Thanks everyone - I'll go for the stronglight and save the extra cash a hollowtech/facing would cost for a bike upgrade.

plodder73

My crankset is being replaced tomorrow. I have a FSA gossamer compact 175mm, 10 speed from a BB30. If they fit and you want them if you arrange collection you can have them for nowt. Few cosmetic marks but they are ok.

k-dog

^ that won't work as the BB30 spindle is 30mm not the standard 24 so you can't get bearings to fit a threaded shell.

dannydc

In the end I went for the facing/hollowtech option because when i finally got ready to buy (after the more urgent hollowtech upgrade to my commuter bike) the stronglight's price had shot up. Thanks to all for the help though.