Broke my bike a little bit. Help!

swelsbyuk
swelsbyuk Posts: 421
edited September 2009 in MTB buying advice
Please excuse the lack of technical terms in this post!

After hitting a tree, I have bent the crank arm on my Giant XTC SX (2006). I notice in this review: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... c-sx-10399
that the reviewer has singled out this part of the bike as being particularly poor. Therefore, rather than get the problem sorted, I have decided to upgrade.

Is this the sort of thing I need and, if so, which one of the 2?: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Shima ... 360038112/

How easy would it be take change these myself and do I need any other parts?

Thanks for any help!

Comments

  • I can't tell from the pic, does the bike have an external BB? fairly sure you need one to run these cranks.
    Santa Cruz Chameleon
    Orange Alpine 160
  • Ignore my last post, the BB is included, but you will need the correct tool for fitting the external BB.
    Santa Cruz Chameleon
    Orange Alpine 160
  • that's all you'll need parts wise, but you'll need about £20 worth of tools to remove your old ones and fit the new ones.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The frame may need facing too.
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    The SLX cranks come with their own BB though so no problem there. Though the frame might need facing. Good cranks though!
    Uncompromising extremist
  • Should do the trick.

    ps they're £20 cheaper here:

    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/mountain- ... inset.html
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    You could just get a replacement crank a lot cheaper if its the LHS one ?
  • Do I need the 170mm or 175mm version?

    What is 'facing'?

    Will this job be simple? (like me?)

    What tools would I need?

    Thanks again
  • craker
    craker Posts: 1,739
    From Sheldon Brown -

    Facing
    The process of finishing the flat surfaces of the frame and fork to which bearing assemblies attach. Correct facing of the head tube, fork crown, and bottom bracket shell ensures correct alignment of the headset and bottom bracket bearings. This is necessary to ensure good bearing performance and reliability.

    Facing requires highly specialized milling equipment, among the most expensive of bicycle tools. Even minimal tools to do this job cost several hundred dollars.

    If you don't get your BB faced your new external bearings _might_ not last very long.

    If you were happy with the length of your old cranks get the same length. I believe the distance is from the centre of the BB spindle to the centre of the pedals axle?

    btw, don't get an external BB just 'cos it's a bit blingy. I'm sure there are loads of decent square taper cranks on the market.