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Chainset question


p2tx8's picture

By p2tx8 - Posted on 03 January 2012

Hi guys,
I will be changing my old Truvativ chainset, for a shimano Alivio one, but looking for the parts on CRC I came up with two options: 170 or 175mm. What's this? Which one should I get?
Another question: It is going to fit into the same Bottom Bracket or do I need to replace it as well?

I am planning to change the chain, rear derailleur (coz' I lost a jockey wheel), cassette, cable and housing.
Recommendations/tips?

P.S.
This is for my old spare bike, so I'm just trying to replace the parts like to like (entry level).

Tags
Logan's picture

The are pro's and cons going for longer or shorter crank arm lengths.

I am 6'4 and use a 175mm crank arm.

p2tx8's picture

If I am 1.76?
thanks

AdrianG's picture

Here's a useful discussion; http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/cranks-1...

There's no hard and fast rule about crank length; it boils down to the individual; in terms of height (specifically, leg length) and preferred riding style (cadence). (The jury is out as whether there is any discernible difference though.)

Generally speaking, go for the longer crank if you're tall-ish and want a slower but gruntier pedaling motion. 175mm is a marginally longer lever, which allows one to use more power in the pedal stroke. With the shorter crank, one will tend to ride in lower gears and therefore with an increased cadence.

The short answer is; If you're comfortable with what you have, you can stick to it. Measure your current bike's crank, centre to centre; that is, the midpoint of the BB axle to the midpoint of the pedal axle.

Regards,
Adrian.

p2tx8's picture

thanks Adrian, I will measure my current setup and buy the same one. So, it will be fit into the same BB?
Another question: for the Cassette there is also a few options, 11-30/11-32 and 11-34. again what is the difference?

Zoom's picture

You need to check the range or your derailleur. You can get long and short ones. A short one might not work on a 34 cassette.

Cotic Tony's picture

Cranks as mentioned earlier are very subjective, I'm 1.83 and was told to go for 180s years ago but have since found that 175s feel far better.
At 1.76 you may prefer the shorter 170s. See what your current ones are if they are ok.
As for cassettes, if you are running standard 32/42 up front 11 - 32 is usually fine at the back. I have one 11 - 34 but there's a noticeable jump mid ratios which I don't like.
By the way, the Deore chainset is worth the extra bit over the Alivio imho.

All the best. Tony

Logan's picture

You will need to check they are compatible as well, there are multiple different standards out there so it can get a bit confusing.

Oldernslower's picture

Just a point on crank length. I've used 175 since 6 speeds were the go Sad, Reasoning was more leverage (torque) for climbing hills. Then recently it was suggested I use 170. Whilst I didn't expect any difference, I found climbing steep granny ring/low cadence climbs easier. As has been noted, crank length is a personal thing and like many issues - it depends on - - - . So try some diff lengths out if possible.

FWIW

p2tx8's picture

I just oredered all the parts:
Shimano chainset (170mm Square taper)
Bottom bracket 113/68mm Square taper (the old one was a truvativ power spline)
Cassette (11-30T)
Rear derailleur
Chain
Set of gear cables

Thanks again

Zoom's picture

Is it 2 by 10 or 3 by 9?

p2tx8's picture

hehehe, like I said is my old bike (Fluid rapid) and i didn't want to upgrade to 2x10 or 2 x9 'coz I will need to replace front derailleur and shifters

Zoom's picture

I'm putting together a new bike and I'm sticking with 3 by 9. I can't see any advantage in 2 by 10.

richo's picture

1x9 or 1x10 thats all i run on both of my bikes.....

marto71's picture

if he has ordered a square taper crankset from crc like stated, then its a 7 /8 speed set up, im currently updating my anthem and the 3 x 10 m-780 range looks to be the go

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