These Cranks Are BETTER Than Shimano and SRAM

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Link to mentioned Nerd Crank Database: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1XEFMbNAjIo2FQ2t3yVPH7yIvtJSfcWGx9Q9jpq9dduk/edit#gid=0

[@davidstaudohar6733]

I've invented the zero gravity bicycle, and was Rob blind by the patent companies, I also invented a single sealed crank, with a grease fitting in the bottom of it, I break out my grease gun pump the cylinder up, watch the grease lose from the seal and I know that I have a packed Crank that will never rust because air can't get to it, my next endeavor is to make sealed hubs for the wheel, 3 Zurich fittings can keep your bicycle rolling a lifetime maybe five lifetimes ♦️♦️♦️ Diamond Dave ❤️‼️

[@mydearriley]

How do we join your discord?

[@slowwerthensnot]

Long live Square Taper!

[@Jacob99174]

Objectively, why?

[@slowwerthensnot]

@@Jacob99174 doesn’t require anything crazy for bb , cheap bb last quite a long time, I seem to get a year plus without creaking, fine tune chainline with different bb spindles…..

[@Jacob99174]

@@slowwerthensnot limits your options for cranksets, however I can dig that!

[@Ferrichrome]

I have a 20 year old bike that does not creak, I don’t know what type of crank or BB it is though

[@ZhengZL69]

I feel like square tapers are harder to maintain because you need more tools (the spindle extractor) and I feel something like Shimano's hollowtech system is more efficient. You can do everything with an Allen key and it is usually both lighter and maintenance free as long as the tolerance on the bb shell is good and the bearings are well sealed.

[@merrillaldrich9170]

I really want to thank you for these two crank videos - you gave me both the information and the encouragement to keep looking for what felt like the unicorn cranks/chainrings for my bike. Same exact story, the stock chainrings on my bike made all the gearing too high for real use. Essentially two small sprockets out back I never use, and frustrating experience with a loaded bike on any hill steeper than about 8%. I almost gave up but with this info tonight I ordered a Rivendell Clipper 42/26. Excited to make the swap.

[@Zensō-music]

Great video! I love the Silver low/low in 34/24, perfect for an old guy like me who turns 61 this month. If I max out 34/11 I just coast. 😅 I installed the VO Grand Cru 46/30 on my daughter’s Pass Hunter. It’s a beautiful crank but one thing to be aware of is the minimal clearance between the crank arm and the outer ring, which is great for the knees but pretty severely limits which front derailleurs will work. Another classic is the Sugino XD2 triple, probably my favorite of all time and still a super deal. I don’t believe it’s rated for off road use, so it may not be useful for many in your audience, but it’s hard to beat for road use. Remove the big ring and replace it with a guard and you have a really nice 34/24 + guard.

[@davidbabcock3261]

for heavier touring, I set up my Surly Troll for Latin America trips with an old school 44/32/22 and 11-34, Gevenalle shifters which work great. I have spent months on the bike on all kinds of roads, all kinds of gradients, all kinds of surfaces--and still feel a triple like this works so , so well for the type of touring I've done riding through Central America, Mexico or France or wherever. Gearing range 17- 103 g.i. I dunno, with front friction shifting being so nice, smooth, silent, etc the positives of a triple still really appeal. And I'm not a grumpy old retro grouch, I love riding my STI bike, and my 1x fatbike too, but I have always had the same view as yours regarding lower gearing. Been touring since 89 and even lightly loaded, most bikes have stupid high gears, so these smaller doubles really make sense.

[@jacobatherton8339]

Square taper has been around so long, it just works. Looks better than hollow cranks imo. love my old 130/74 triple. I run it 39/28 with a 44 outer chainring as a bashplate. I can manually shift to the outer ring if I really want to use it.

[@trueartvandal]

I'm in a big triple groove right now. Got a 52-42-30 on my all road bike and a classic 42-32-22 on my ATB, both used from my local co-op. Middle ring and largest cog is a good combo for max efficiency, and shifting to a smaller chainring after that as a bailout gear makes for an easy shift

[@lunam7249]

triples!!!❤

[@SteveSmith-bq9rk]

The Sugino cranks and Stronglight chain rings from Spa Cycles are excellent and very good value too. I used them to fit a Powertap C1 power meter to a 1991 Rossin Matrix. So that's a left/right power meter on a square taper crankset with toeclips - and it works a treat! My Audax bike had a Stronglight 80 crankset running 46+32T, long before it was fashionable. Those cranks will allegedly take a 28T inner also available from Spa Cycles.

[@trevekneebone369]

I have created my own Campagnolo 46/30 sub-compact from a Record Triple crankset. 46T 135bcd ring in the middle position. 30T 74bcd ring in the inner position. Of course, I can go much lower with 74bcd. To keep things looking nice, I have a chainguard in the outer position. Looks lovely 👌

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

A GREAT vid Russ. A badly needed overview of non aspirational/realistic cranks for adventure cycling. I’ve not seen such a great synopsis anywhere else. Thanks.

[@johnfowler4820]

I have been using spa cycle chainsets for three years now and find them excellent, unbelievable value, very versatile and well made.

[@icenijohn2]

Another option, especially if you want/need true low gears for loaded touring, is to buy older Suntour XC Pro/Expert MicroDrive cranks with the 94/56mm BCD, then you can easily achieve a 6:1 or greater overall range of gearing. I have this on my 531ST touring bike, and using a 12-34 cogset and 20/32/46 chainrings I have a 15.9" low to 103.5" high with a 6.5 overall range, just right for getting heavy loads over the mountains without destroying my knees, yet the higher gears are good for unloaded rides as well. The 56mm inner chainrings still show up on eBay, and being steel they last a very long time. I rode across the US many years ago with a SR Apex 5TG crankset (a copy of the Stronglight 99) with 52/36 rings and a Regina 14-28 freewheel, and my knees are still hurting from that. By the time I later toured India and Nepal I was using 44/28 and 13-34, so my present gearing is just a logical evolution from that.

[@imrevadasz1086]

Yeah I'm I'm currently trying to find a crankset for 94/58 (5 arm mount, whatever the exact mm are), because I have 40/30/20 chainrings left from a used crankset with extremely seized pedals, and that would be just perfect for long days in the Alps with a 12-36 or 11-40 cassette.

[@beemrdon52]

I like triples. Sugino offers beautiful cold forged cranks in 48-38-28 or 46-36-26 and other combos. These have been around for decades. Price is around $200 to $300 . Also, Shimano makes the Sora trekking series crankset that comes stock on the Salsa Marrakesh touring bikes 48-36-24, as I recall. Not the most beautiful but works well.

[@donnyo65]

Interesting video Russ, I am still running 3 x 9 on my tourer as it just refuses to fail! this has 11-36 Shimano on the rear and 42 - 32 - 22 on the front. This gives a huge range even running 29" x 50mm tyres but I rarely use the 42 apart from on the road and unloaded. I keep threatening to convert the bike to a super low two ring x 11 speed mtb setup using one of those huge rear rings but this system just keeps going!

[@nickporter3531]

Glad to see Spa getting a mention! I have a set of 42/26’s from them. Excellent value and great quality crankset. Lots of other very useful stuff of their website.

[@grvl307]

50 tooth is fine. Why? Because at regular people speeds the chainline is straight and you're on the center of the cassette. So the wear is lower. 53 tooth is too big for most people, but 50? Nah. For gravel 46/30 chainring with an 11-34 cassette is fine for a lot of people. Not saying smaller chainrings don't have their place , but this generalisation is not really warranted.

[@kimstrickland65]

I you are not afraid of triples, the Sugino XD2 500 is still available, and you can set it up easily as a 46-34-24 (smallest middle is 34, smallest 3rd is 24). Again, another square taper bottom bracket (JIS) is used, but these are not hard to find. The cost is reasonable, and the finish is good.

[@Fatbutnotflat]

Is sugino mighty taper = JIS?

[@kimstrickland65]

@@Fatbutnotflat I just tried out a Sugino Mighty Comp that I pulled from a bike recently, and tried it out on some JIS and ISO (Campy) bottom brackets. It fits on both, which is not surprising, since they have the same taper. The taper extends a little bit farther on ISO, so the narrow end is a little narrower on the ISO bb. With a bit of wear on the crank tapers, you might run the risk of bottoming out on an ISO bb spindle when you tighten the crank bolts, but for one in very good condition there should not be a problem. I would still use anti-seize compound on the flats before assembling. The reason I did not mention the old Sugino Mighty is that the BCD of the crank is 144mm, which limits you to a small chainring of 42 teeth (there were a few 41 tooth 144 BCD chainrings, but those are a bit rare), which is a bit large for the small ring for touring or poorly paved roads.

[@vasiliipopov416]

US cyclists in 2022: there are some alternative options other than shimano/sram! Cyclists from poor countries: ordering parts from aliexpress since 2010, because Shimano doesn't even let you order cool stuff to these countries.

[@mattebrittenham-jones938]

I just wanted to say that while I agree that the SunXCD crankset is a fantastic crankset. I have one on my Bridgestone RB-T set up 3x with the 110 BCD spider with a VO Drillium 48t, TA 36t, and an old Suntour 24t in the granny spot. I'd like to get another one to run 1x on my Gorilla Monsoon, which is how I know they are not available seemingly ANYWHERE. I really hope SunXCD does another run of them, because I love them and that 50.4/110 BCD spider is also a great piece they should make more of. With it, you can use old TA and Stronglight 50.4 bcd cranks with the vast array of 110 and 74 bcd rings on the market. The VO Grand Cru 50.4 is a reasonable alternative, but they don't sell it without the rings, so you'll have to pay $200 and throw away the rings if you want something different than what comes on them. I wish VO would sell more chainrings, but also I wish they would sell their cranks sans rings so we could buy our preferred combo elsewhere, and I wish they would sell a 50.4 narrow/wide single ring in 38t or 40t for 1x

[@gearedforadventure]

Great video! I agree that MTB double works absolutely great for touring or bikepacking. Not that long ago you could get Shimano MTB cranks in 38-24 which was spot on in terms of low-to-high gears. For some reason Shimano recently switched to having 10t space between gears, so now you get 38-28, 36-26 etc. Still, 36-26 will let you climb any gradient you'd ever need (even with panniers) and 36 isn't that bad for flat too (unless you use super skinny tires, then it becomes a bit low). It is also possible to use brifters with MTB front derailleurs, a bit tricky to set-up but with careful adjustment it can be done and works fine. That being said, without bags or panniers "standard gravel" 46-30 should be enough to climb anything.

[@lostisleminstrel]

Thank you for talking about the tremendous overgearing on bicycles. My 1x10 has a front 34 tooth, rear 11-36. Yes it is low geared but I have spent more time in 34 11 while riding. I spends my money and want to use all those gears instead of saving them for the day I plummet off a cliff. Keep up the good work demystifying the hype.

[@sagehiker]

Feel like joining the biking Contras against the Eagles! There are so many more great crank choices out there using square taper bottom brackets than there are for press fit or external bearing types. It took me a while but after too many times having to tweak a Box 9 or Eagle GX system while my resto-mod 2x or even 3x keep spinning, I am a convert. This is great peek into your experience. I have also watched some of the pitfalls with Henry Wildeberry.

[@MelvinHughesatp]

The White Industries Eno crank uses a square-taper bottom bracket and is compatible with the VBC chainrings. I love my square tapers!

[@jonbingham7525]

The Spa cycles are a touring triple crank adapted into a super compact double with a chainguard in the outside position - great quality for the price and the square taper allows chain line to be easily adapted

[@eph.merelta9664]

It is, too bad they won't ship to the EU. It's comparable to the Albion crankset (or even the same-ish?). Edit: they do ship small items again!

[@James-gx7sk]

Sugino! or eBay 90's MTB triple.

[@WelshMullet]

Someone on AliExpress lists a nice looking 42-28 set but they're been out of stock for a while... They have a 40-27 but I'm wondering if that's too low. Got a 11-40 on the back. Might have to buy the spa cycles ones instead though

[@lunam7249]

good on mountain...to low for road bike....imo

[@fenderbender999]

The Rene Herse cranks and rings are excellent, but there's a downside. The crank arms are not anodised. Consequently, they will look terrible and the surface will become pitted unless you wax polish them regularly. Ask me how I know....

[@JaccoSW]

Two thing; 1. You don't even have to rummage through a bin for the 50.4 chainrings. Spécialités T.A. still makes them to this day! 2. Another 46/30 crank is made by the British Chater-Lea.

[@herethere2518]

Splurged on a Silver 2-piece 32/22 a while back and am delighted to no end. Spends most of its time on the local singletrack trails (which are expansive, technical & year-round here in Gorham, Maine thanks to our local army of NEMBA volunteers :), but also commutes/runs errands, etc. Outer guard is thick enough to bash into occasional fallen trees without issue while smooth enough to slough off my slacks with nary a tear as well, and was able to align chainline to my 11-spd BridgeClub no problem (plus included rings run 11 without issue). Paired to albatross bars (with pogies:) & microshift thumby (indexing a bit touchy with Deore, but a fraction of Shimano's 11 plus multiple adapt's: $$$). Happy, happy! My other fav is the samox crank for direct-mount rings. May be a square taper but cost me $25 and I was able to mount a WolfTooth camo bashguard spider with elliptic s.s. ring! Sand it down and drill a few holes with shallow countersinks and it even looks retro-modern!!

[@jonathangreen7111]

Great, but what about crank length? Shorter cranks are crucial for shorter riders but some of those you mention don't go below 170 and none below 165.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

🤷🏽‍♂️

[@lunam7249]

crank length is overated....important to triathelons

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

@@lunam7249 Crank length is more important than frame stiffness IMO.

[@lunam7249]

@@PathLessPedaledTV your opinion is duely noted....

[@altaloma7789]

Glad you have addressed this subject. Gearing has always been a problem for some of us, especially us mules that wind up hauling trailers or other people's stuff on tours. I gave up on aspirational gears after considering the tourist's number one rule: "Never go faster than you are willing to crash". I'm running a Shimano triple 46-36(?)-22 with a highly modified rear cassette 14-50. People who don't pull trailers don't know why I'd want such low gears, but when towing 100 lb. (45 kg) it is absolutely necessary.

[@BrantleySmithNC]

White Industries 40/24 FTW!!!

[@LammersQuarter]

Cool piece! Square tapered is a no go if you are a hard charging (MTB/Gravel) rider over 85 kilos. It’s a mechanical standard because it’s the cheapest way to interface cranks with a bottom bracket, not the best way/better way. All the square tapered cranks I tried failed (came loose, deformed or broke at the interface). I have been on the 24mm Shimano threaded bb interface for more than 20 years. Cheap, simple and effective. Never a problem and all the gears you want cheaply available.

[@LammersQuarter]

@@PRH123 they didn’t jump their bikes to my knowledge…

[@snafu0o0o]

I went with Velo Orange and also found other parts at the local co-op and it went great. The BB width has been a little challenging due to my ignorance but it’s gettin solved easy enough now.

[@lunam7249]

most BB are in between 67mm - 73mm this will fit most cranksets with or without spacers..

[@michaelviglianco6121]

I'll do one further and say just use a triple for these types of bikes if you aren't trying to compete in anything

[@PghPA81]

So glad to hear you mention a 42-28 on a Salsa Vaya. I have been running a 42-28 with an 11-36 cassette on my Vaya for about 8 years putting thousands of miles on this set up including 6 loaded tours (yes of course replacing chain rings, cassettes and chains). This gearing has been perfect for me. Anything bigger than 42 teeth on a chain ring is unnecessary for party pace. Unloaded I spend most of the time in the 42 tooth chain ring and loaded I spend most of the time in the 28 tooth chain ring.

[@lunam7249]

yep my friend..you have discovered true cycling...not that fucking corn cob bullshit on tour de france bikes!! megarange 34 tooth forever!!

[@krisjaynav]

My square taper BB spins better than most of my hollowtech cranks. For my leg length, I prefer 165mm cranks...I actually swapped out my Vision cranks for modestly priced track cranks. Shimano 165mm and 160mm are extremely rare and tend to be like 5-7 times more expensive.

[@kirstenspencer3630]

Yes for us folks with 27 1/2 inch inseams the 165 and 160's allow us spin out comfortably and for touring extra ground clearance. Nice

[@lukehendrickson3669]

I have a Sugino-made White Industries crankset (44-32-22) on my Riv and it’s both cool af. It’s supremely practical as I live in a hilly area and so climb and descend quite a bit. I think Silver or RH would be my choice were it not for my WI. Great vid dude!

[@davidhale1568]

Ha I’ve got one of them on my old titanium airborne works a treat

[@tillman5529]

Great video! I recently tried to find a budget friendly sub compact double and the spa cycles kind of crank (Sugino XD2 copy) was what i decided to go with, if i would set up my old trek 970 with brifters. Well i probably wont, because the bike is unfortunately a bit too small and just doesnt justify the investment but thats another story. Here in Europe there is also the Stronglight Impact Crankset available, depending on where you can source it for under 100 Euros, too.

[@VeloObscura]

Any issues shifting a big jump like 26-42? Never tried it..... Perhaps front mech choice is important? I've been thinking about going back to square taper for a while now.... Aside from the options you've just listed, I feel like they might be more reliable too....

[@matthewguenther6925]

26-42 is the same jump as a 34-50 compact, there is not an issue with that. That said, most road front mechs are made with a 50T chainring diameter in mind, so they look a little wonky with a 42T, though they still work.

[@lunam7249]

it should fit front derailler..or adjust it little

[@scottallison7157]

Maybe someone already noticed this detail, in comparing the Sugino XD2 to the SPA CYCLES TD2/RD2, the SPA TD2/RD2 has all 5 chainring bolts exposed, minor detail, but worth noting. Didn't know about the TD2/RD2, wow, an insane price point, wondering if there's some sort of hidden catch? Love that you can get a silver set with a black bash guard.

[@eduardbenda3498]

You can swap GRX chainrings only - this is probably the cheapest option - for instance company Gebhardt in Czech republics makes GRX chainring in wide range for 1x and 2x drivetrains. I am using 26/42 from them with no issues

[@aamj50]

My Trek 2020 520 Grando came stock with 42/28 and 11-36 10 speed. I think it's a fantastic combo and probably the last of its kind that you can get off the showroom floor from a major manufacturer.

[@veloaa-montreal6924]

I've been shopping for an XC hardtail for bikepacking and it's virtually impossible to buy anything with a double nowadays. I was looking at the Trek Police bike online, it has a 10-speed 11-42 cassette with a 26/36, I thought "wow! that's the perfect setup!!" And it comes with 29x2.2" tires and a rear rack!!! It's very telling about the industry that they would build such a practical bike and not offer it to the public.

[@chrisw2208]

Can vouch for the Spa Cycles crankset! Got the 40/24 on my 90s MTB gravel grinder and it's great!

[@leightonbohl1920]

Hi, Russ - The Spa Cycles compact cranks are copies of the Sugino Alpina 2 triple (mentioned in Frank Berto’s history of derailleur gears) for a fraction of the Japanese maker’s prices. They are eminently versatile, from 24 teeth on the 74 BCD inside lugs, to beyond the mid-50 tooth on the outside of the 110 outside spider. Rings are produced by Spa, or you can buy pricier kit in the form of TA rings. On my bikes I use them as a triple (with Dura Ace 7700 derailleurs), a double (with Campag Nuovo Record derailleurs), and a single (middle ring with shims to take the place of the outside ring on the spider) on a converted Kona 90s MTB with a Shimano Altus 8 speed rear derailleur and an 11-34 rear cassette. I would not use any other crankset . . . Perfect! The Fossill

[@Fake_Name12345]

For ~$100 MTB single cranks offer modern bottom bracket options and chainrings down into the 20's

[@escgoogle3865]

I tell peeps unless you are racing or riding a travel/folding bike, square taper is the shizz.

[@newoldsteel]

With my vintage bikes and even a neo retro one, I ALWAYS go with square taper. I’ve had some for almost 5 years and they still spin silent and fast. Plus how easy it is to adjust the Q factor if you have a few laying around when going from frame to frame!

[@johnbrann75]

I find crank sets to be difficult to find and very expensive. Difficult to find meaning I don't want to buy anything from outside my country (Canada) and get stung with rediculous shipping and duty. You've given some great options, thanks. I've actually bought second hand bikes just so I could get the crank set.

[@sadhu6740]

VO drillum w/campagnolo 10spd record on the litespeed. IRD 46×30 on the 27×1 1/8 wheeled nuovo record vintage bike. Both work perfectly and look proper on an older bike. Superglad these companies exist

[@MisterAndyS]

I splurged on the René Herse 46/30 and have no regrets. I'm at 12000 miles and still on my first set of sprockets, first cassette, second chain. These suckers are lasting! I did recently buy a replacement 46T ring when they came in stock, just so I'll have it when I need it. I'm in the 46T 95% of the time.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

Which front derailleur are you using?

[@gregmarcus3064]

We belong to the church of square taper and our Pope is Ronnie Romance.

[@charliewhiskey8440]

I love square taper - adjustable chain line to suit your Frankenstein build, comes with whatever chainring combinations you desire with a touring triple 110/74 BCD crank arm, and if you want it light you can go for Ti BB. Think it's not as stiff as a "modern" external BB crankset? How often do the great majority of cyclists sprint out of the saddle?

[@The2808erik]

Shimano has been offering 46/30 with the FC-CX50 crank set for a long time over 10 years at least, it's cheap and uses the hollow tech bottom bracket.

[@markxkovacic]

46/36

[@The2808erik]

@@markxkovacic No, it's also available in 46/30, or it was idk if it still is. I have this crank set on my bike. The most important thing is it's 110 BCD it means you can get a lot of different chainrings for it.

[@Ey_up]

Another boost for Spa Cycles' TD-2 cranks and custom rings. I run a 46-30- bash guard on a Shimano 113 square taper and a 2x Shimano l05 fd on my Homer. 38-24-bash guard on 118 Stronglight square taper with a Shimano Exage 3x fd (28.6 readily available and cheap on ebay), for the day I go triple on my Atlantis (max 2.4 tyres). Spa Cycles can give all the chainline/bb options advice you may need. Unless you get the boss on a bad day, the staff are superb! The opposing reviews you may find always make me laugh but having spoken directly with staff, they are very friendly!

[@johnkem2630]

Agree Russ. A smaller chainring is lighter than the 11 & 12 speed cassette cogs. One can also use 10, 9 or 8 speed cassettes for weight savings and use a shorter & stronger chain with the benefit of a better chain-line. The longer life and lower expense of less gears is another benefit. One can also eliminate the front derailleur and use the smaller chainring for only the anticipated steep climbs as you once demonstrated. 👍

[@rodneynoriel1528]

If you’re doing a vintage road… never forget the Campagnolo gran sport 116bcd. They are a great way to run a semi compact on a vintage super record. I hoarded a bunch of 50t and 35 t chainrings before people discovered them.

[@lunam7249]

most campanolo vintage is 135mm BDC , very expensive and hard to find along with suntour biopace

[@That5ivef1ngerdhand]

Word of warning about sun xcd cranks Is to put Loctite on the chainring bolts I have heard multiple accounts and personally experienced all the chainring bolts loosening while riding

[@ninacnmmsncom]

I changed out the chainring on my Liv road bike. Went with FSA SLK. Very pleased and didn’t break the bank either.

[@greggr1591]

I got a Silver 32/22 on my RivGus and it's been perfect: I can spin up nearly every grade I've ridden (except the insane ones) and with standard 9-speed in back I have plenty of top end for my retrogrouch legs to play with.

[@cosinus_square]

TA / Stronglight /VeloOrange cranks can go 44/26 lowest plenty of chain rings available brand new. I retrograded my rando bike about a month ago from a GRX 46/30 to Stronglight 49D cranks with 46/26 rings and OG loose ball bottom bracket. The VeloOrange cranks would prob be the best option for most people as Stronglight is ISO taper, TA is the same iirc, while VeloOrange is JIS - the most common type of square taper.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Please link to these plentiful 50.4 chainrings you speak of.

[@justin10054]

@@PathLessPedaledTV Peter White Cycles sells brand new TA chainrings for 50.4 BCD cranks. I bought a nice set from them last year to use on the Sugino PX crank I got for my Ebisu. They stock chainrings as low as 26t.

[@robbykills]

@@justin10054 yep came here to post that

[@cosinus_square]

@@PathLessPedaledTV already replied but not sure what happened to my comment?! SpaCycles sells them in UK

[@123moof]

My 2x bikepacker is setup with 34/24 and 11-42 with 29x2.5 and has been pretty decent, but I agree it is not hard to spin out when unloaded, or on any sort of downhill. I also recently picked up a 90’s 26er, despite your warnings, with 44/32/22 setup with 11-34 out back, and it has reminded me that triple rings are pretty great at both ends. At $100 it might be cheaper to buy an old bike than a new crankset if you want to try things out (if you ignore the couple hundreds bucks in parts and a few weekends to get the rust heap rolling nicely again).

[@ehounshell]

Love my 44/32/22 * 11-34 dadbike. 22 for hauling the kid trailer over the mountain. 44 for zooming across town.

[@stuartpotter4923]

Great content on practical alternatives to the mainstream, as always. Worth noting that if you like SqTaper (like I do) and also like the look of the White Industries VBC double, or even their single ring options, they also do a SqTp version as well as the 30mm spindle External BB options.

[@philhouck3560]

I used square taper cranks for years because that was all that was available back in the 70's and 80's. When Shimano came out with Octa-link, I switched in a hurry because it was the first time I didn't have to live with "chainring wobble" that made trimming the front derailleur frequently necessary. Sadly Octa-link is history now. If one is contemplating a crankset that uses a square taper spindle, make sure the bottom bracket and the crank are compatible. The current standard is JIS spindles and cranks that provide a more stable connection, that's to say, less wobble.

[@JonPrevost]

I don't like this trend. I'm a big guy. I like straight chains. I wish we had quad-cranks! One of the reasons I like my 600cc motorcycle more than my 1000cc was the fact that I had to shift. I like shifting. It's the idea of mastering the machine. Joking aside, I do think a triple crank is still worth it and that the economy of smaller profits is the REAL reason they are disappearing, not because they are "better" in performance. I also liked how the big ring was a bashguard. You still had your normal and still a bailout. I absolutely LOVE my older 105 triple groupset on my old 2006 Allez. I have more cycles than days in the week which includes a couple 1x, a single speed, 2 triples, and the rest doubles. If I had to choose, triple hands down. The only trick is the learning curve. Get in the correct front ring for the upcoming slope, done, it's that damn easy. Oh, and get used to moving the rear shifter into the middle of the cassette WHILE shifting the front. Problem solved! The doubles are easier to not make a big mistake, because it's leff often, but you can feel the chain getting angry when 200lb are jumping on the 175mm crank arms up an 8% grade.

[@velousagi]

Built a bike once for a shorter rider with an origin8 crankset. A nice looking 110mm bcd square taper crank which start from 140mm arms. Don't know how well they are available today though.

[@millcreekhomestead1386]

The Spa cranks strongly resemble Middleburn. I've been happy with my Middleburns but they have become difficult to source in the USA.

[@marcosmartija7877]

Where can we access this discord server and list?

[@mikemclennan8917]

Becoming a patron on Patreon gives access to Discord.

[@marcusathome]

Thanks for pointing out these great choices! Apart from being functional I think the chainrings are a defining part of the design of a bike - so don't be afraid to try something different!

[@meyers6622]

What new light touring road bikes offer gear inch around 20”, rim brakes, around $1k USD?

[@ollekgspd]

Shimano 600 38/26 and DuraAce 7403 42/26 with chainrings porteur Stronglight (tripleizer).

[@scottcopeland7457]

Thanks Russ. I’ve decided to give the New Albion Clipper crank a try. Should be arriving this afternoon.

[@stephensaines7100]

I can personally pledge for Spa Cycles and ordering chain-rings from them! I have a coveted pair of Stronglight 99 triples, got a great deal on them brand new C$125 but with an awkward set of ratios for mid and outer. I bumped the mid (46t) up to the outer, and use a 40t, which I ordered, for the mid. The existing 28t inner remains. (I have a brand new pair of SR 30s if ever needed, SR being the only other known user of 86mm BCD rings) I replaced my TA Cyclotouriste Pro V set, couldn't get replacement rings anymore in North Am. And here's the upside: Spa Cycles not only carry all the replacement rings (even tooth numbers only) for TA, they do also for Stronglight, and have an exclusive supply arrangement with SL to distribute all the SL and TA rings (SL made and continue to make TA rings), and at a *very good price*! Even with postage, the price was cheaper than I was getting the rings here in Toronto when they were available by local distributors. Remember, the UK prices are advertised with VAT included. For export, that is taken off the advertised price. I called Spa before ordering, incredibly helpful and informed folks. They mail by airpost, it took less than two weeks to arrive.

[@stephensaines7100]

If and when the mid ring wears to the point of replacing, I'd order a 38t instead of 40t just to more evenly spread the ratios.

[@fancytyme]

I've used the VO, IRD, and René Herse cranks. They've all been great in my experience. I also have a '53 Galmozzi Super Competizione with the Stronglight 49D crank that the VO is based on -- modern materials are a lot better! I like the Herse cranks the most for elegance and the sheer range of options. I'm also in the process of turning a 3x Sugino Impel into a double - 36t Spécialités T.A. "middle" ring (Wolf Tooth narrow chainring bolts) and 22t Vuelta inner. That might be too spinny but we'll see!

[@giuseppegreco2214]

excuse everyone i would like to use a sub compact crankset from spa cycles with a 40/24 teeth and match it with microshift R9 components the question is: what kind of front derailleur can i use?

[@singletona082]

I've literally got soeme sorta probably a thousand diff names but mine's an 'action' crankset. Cheap, let me go fro ma stamped single piece crankset on my walmart bike, to something where I could go down to a 32t, which made a worldo f diffrence for me.

[@fernandoorolaza4566]

my wheels are 26 and 40t BT 16t works fine for me . . . i already converted it to single speed hehehe . . . my crank size is 170mm . . . i am planning to buy a 175 next time

[@princepage632]

hey dude, i like your bike channel, and you reviewed the marin nacasio plus. i just bought a nacasio plus . i really like it, but i feel like there is too much jump in the gearing. it is a 1x9. oh its fast and smooth but i was wondering if i could get ride of that 42 chain ring. i feel its almost the perfect one . But i think it's a little to big. what are your thought s on going to a 40 crank? thanks

[@JonathanBays]

I use the Velo Orange its great looks great on a retro bike and gives good low gears for older riders

[@keithjenkins7919]

Buy from Spa regularly, brillant organistaion, great stuff unavaible elswhere

[@jrnamida5470]

Need 5 bolt square taper crank arms 130 BCD that are strong and very light weight...

[@ericcornell3243]

"aspirational gears" is the perfect way to describe 50x11. Lol.

[@GeekonaBike]

30t small ring w/ the huge cogs available today will still get you a gear that is slower than getting off the bike & walking. Back in the day Triples often has a 28t granny gear paired to much smaller big cog on the rear.

[@lunam7249]

yep. correct.. a 30 tooth nice for road bikes....some mountains are super steep and older people dont like the knee pain so prefer a a 22 front with 34 rear ....yes, maybe "slower" that walking up mountain, but wayyyyy more effficient and less tiring....😮🎉❤

[@lunam7249]

@RollinRat yes, sometimes i go to the gym and do deep squats to get the different muscle groups worked...

[@Pou1ify]

The new Shimano Cues offers a 40/26 Crank for square tapered bottoms 😁

[@jonfinney9415]

@8:06 there is no derailleur. Do you just use the big ring like 95% of the time and manually shift it over if you get to a long climb?

[@Rainman2de]

If you already own a GRX crank just get the newer 44/28 chainrings from TA Specialtes and combine it with a 11-40 cassette

[@tanguy4235]

But how to fit a 11-40 on a GRX ?

[@dakwhitehead]

@@tanguy4235 just buy a 11-40 slx cassette. Works great.

[@tanguy4235]

@@dakwhitehead ok I may try. I've been told by my LBS that the derailleur cage would be too short for this (GRX 400).

[@dakwhitehead]

@@tanguy4235 not sure if there is a 10 speed cassette. I'm using the 810

[@jonathanbenn2241]

Square tapper, on two Surly(s), each with 10,000 miles plus!

[@mokujinsan9946]

Big up to da Square Taper Massive. Toot Toot. ♥️ Blessings from a Brit in Berlin 💎

[@belverticale]

I'm used to touring on a triple - 48/36/26 - 11/36 cassette...this gives a massive range. Alas Shimano seems to be phasing this option out, particularly the nice Hollowtech BB option. Anyone know how to get a comparable range with a double?

[@123moof]

Some folks report using GRX stuff to run 48/31 with 11-40t. It is slightly out of recommended tooth capacity, but folks are doing it, and it provides almost the same low end. Hard to match triples for range.

[@lunam7249]

stay triples!!! thier the greatest invention to the bike!!!❤real riders do triples!! FAKE riders do corn cobs!!

[@SuperEightOneEight]

nice review....but from where im at..these cranks u mention are hard to get...shimano is the easier option and plentiful of range easily available here...ive been riding shimano for almost 35 years...they never let me down , super durable and ultimate reliability

[@christopherdavis8967]

I have the Rene Herse and the WI VBC and they're both worth every dollar they cost

[@SurpriseMeJT]

Another vote for 110/74 cranksets. Stronglight Impact triple for example. Use a longer spindle bb to use as a double (using only small/middle rings). For chainrings, look at the company called Specialities T.A. Thankfully by being in France, I find an endless supply of Specialities T.A. rings on the used market for cheap.

[@ehounshell]

what's the best French online marketplace?

[@lunam7249]

yep 110/74 mm BDC lots of choices!

[@velociraptor2544]

Square is flexy, very annoying when bike is loaded. Best system for money is shimano octalink with hollow cranks 104 bcd, stiff, relatively light, bearings holds lot longer. Once you get octalink you'll won't get back to square. These parts made for long time so you can find cheap. Next is shimano hollowtech 2 with hollow cranks. Bearings not so durable but lighter, spins better, not expensive and easy to change. Systems from far past is for zombie apocalypse fans.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Literally rode a 300lb bike across the country with a square taper crank and it worked great.

[@SurenXss]

can u run the velo orange bike in a track configuration (one chainring) ?

[@tinatpasselepoivre]

The mentionned crank (so I don't have to re watch the video): Vélo-Orange Grand Cru IRD Defiant (or Vortex for external bearings) Rivendel SilverCranks Soma Clipper (heard that right?) Sunn XCD René Herse Doubles White Industries Cranks Spa Cycles TRD2/RD2 On conclusion : don't forget the Mountains Double

[@eisernerbursche]

Thanks! For Germany, I can recommend Mr Moskopp and his "radplan-Delta". I got an absolutely beautiful 2x square taper crankset ("Dolomiti II") equipped with 42-26 TA-chainrings to run my 29er touring bike on 2.25 inch tyres. I could freely choose w/e combo. Dolomiti II uses 104 and 64 as diameters. I use a 107mm Token on 68mm BSA standard. Rear is 142mm.

[@cjones7854]

I'm curious what crank length you run Russ and do you run a different length on your MTB vs your drop bar stuff? Lots of people seem to be going shorter which I am considering.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Usually a 170 but should prob be on a 165.

[@turboseize]

The Sun and the René Herse look nice. I am missing a Stronglight triple, though! They look nice, and with the triple, offer plenty of range. So you can have a bailout to get you up really steep and loose stuff, a medium ring (39 up to 42) to spend most of the day in and a big ring that is actually useful downhill or with a tailwind (i.e. not smaller than 50). Z-Light triple looks particularly gorgeous and slightly retro. I am currently undeicided whether I should re-use my grandfathers Nuvo Record for my randonneur restauration (but that would necessity finding smaller rings - 56/42 seem a bit impractical once climbing or hauling stuff is involved), or whether I should go the triple route.

[@SMenkveld]

Just gonna chime in here with another post advocating for a 45/42/24-30 half-step + granny. And, yes, I mean that with an 11+ speed rear. The 10/11-46/50 cassettes make an almost perfect 7% half-step with either a 45/42 or 42/39 up front. --Shannon