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Looking to build up a fixie/SS for getting to uni as the current bike is dead!! Every bearing has gone and as it is so old and worth nothing i am going to try and get a newer frame and start from there.
So I understand everything except for crank sizes etc. I am a mtb'r so have always thought hollowtech to be the best, plus they are shimano 🙂 is this the same with road cranksets or is there not such an advantage? I am looking to spend aroudn £50 on the cranks so what would you recommend?
Many thanks
Go for square taper - you can get some good ones for that money on eBay usually. Most single speeders swear by it.
It's always worth trawling through On-One, Charlie the BikeMonger, or Chain Reaction, for a cheap new set.
XTR 960 set on my current project build 8)
Ebay for some Campag square taper ones. You should be able to get some with a 42 ring that'll work fine.
You'll need and ISO bottom bracket, although you can use a Shimano one at a pinch. Miche Primato are good and cheap. I think for most chainlines, a 107mm axle will suit. You can tweak the chainline with those BBs anyway.
have some nice sq taper stuff (not used it)
be aware of bcds.
track is 144 and will limit you to 42T chainring (technically 41 but v. rare)
shimano is 130, some campag is 135 and road triples (and old mtb) 110.
this is not a huge issue as chainrings a readily available for all, but you can get stuck.
HTH 🙂
the only thing I'd say is you may want a shorter crank if you're going fixie, to avoid pedal strikes and aid spinning
That clears things up a little thanks everyone, think i have started to find some that would be suitable. Keen for the retro like look as well. Looking forward to all this now, can't wait to build another bike.
5lab - Member
the only thing I'd say is you may want a shorter crank if you're going fixie, to avoid pedal strikes and aid spinning
That's a good point. Also a proper fixie frame should have a higher BB than average. Pedal strike can be nasty in the wrong circumstances.
I've some campag veloce cranks double ring with ultra torque bb with English threads if you're interested? £50 posted mail in profile if interested
They are silver btw
2nd or 3rd the above, if it's a road frame I would go any longer than 170mm or you may get a nasty suprise...
got these on my fixie. seem dead good for the money so far
http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CSSTTR2K/stronglight_track_2000_crankset
I'd agree with whats been said here:
Square taper because it will last years. I'd avoid octolink HT1 (availability) and ISIS (reliability). CRC have UN54 square tepers.
Campagnolo is lovely but I'd go 5 arm 130 bcd Shimano because the BBs are easier to get hold of (JIS) and also the rings are 130 bcd so again easier to get hold of. I bought an old shimano 600 crankset off ebay for £10 and it polished up a treat.