[Ghost_rider]

Hi gang,

There`s already a crazy thread going on regarding BB`s, cranks etc...but I thought I`d be selfish and start another one cause I`m still confused...

So, I`ll be building up my Imperial this winter and I`d like some recommendations for a good FR crank and BB. After looking at the specs of the Imperial, I understand the axle has to be 118mm for proper tire clearance...Will this impact my choices?

As for other criteria, well money is always an issue and I`ll be using an Evil chainguide.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[RITFreeRider]

Since you're building up one of the most bad ass freeride hardtail frames you might want to consider 3-piece cranks. A used set of profiles will serve you well. Also the FSA X-Drives work pretty well.

For standard cranks you can't beat Race Face North Shores. Also FSA has this new pounder crank that is cro-mo arms but fit an isis bb.

As far as bb, the Truvativ Giga pipe I believe comes in that size. Also the Race Face signiture series is really nice. I wouldn't get the evolve series seeing as they are made in Tiwann I believe and they seem to self distruct.

Hope that helps

 

[binary visions]

I hate to say it but I must disagree with all of the above . Not that you aren't entitled to your opinion!

3 piece cranks are very useful if you're very large or tend to beat the piss out of your components. Other than that, they're just extra weight.

RaceFace NorthShores are fine cranks, but hugely expensive. You did mention that money is always an issue.

A set of FSA V-Drive Xtreme crankarms will run you $60, and a FSA Platinum Pro BB will run you about the same. For $120 or less you've got a very burly pair of crankarms and a well built bottom bracket - that's without paying the rediculous premium that RaceFace has on their (in my opinion) substandard bottom brackets. The Gigapipe BB is supposed to be very nice and very strong but the FSA is probably pretty close to as strong, and is cheaper.

You won't have any problems finding a bottom bracket that fits - just about everyone makes a 118 spindle now. Even Shimano.

I run the V-Drives and Platinum Pro BB on my Imperial, with an Evil DRS chainguide and they have held up very well.

If you weigh over 200lbs. or usually break your crank arms in a couple months of riding, that's the only reason I'd look into 3-piece crankarms, and then you may as well go for the gold and get some Profiles - at least they'll last you forever.

If you give some specifics on the type of riding you do and your weight, you'll get better tailored responses!

 

[sub6]

Originally posted by RITFreeRider
Since you're building up one of the most bad ass freeride hardtail frames you might want to consider 3-piece cranks. A used set of profiles will serve you well. Also the FSA X-Drives work pretty well.

For standard cranks you can't beat Race Face North Shores. Also FSA has this new pounder crank that is cro-mo arms but fit an isis bb.

As far as bb, the Truvativ Giga pipe I believe comes in that size. Also the Race Face signiture series is really nice. I wouldn't get the evolve series seeing as they are made in Tiwann I believe and they seem to self distruct.

Hope that helps

Well, I have to AGREE with all that.

If you have an Imperial, chances are you're riding it pretty hard, and if not, well, you should be. 3pc Cromo is the way to go; aluminum cranks just don't really cut it, especially on a hardtail that gets abused - there's just so much more stress there. On a suspension bike, I wouldn't have any qualms about using Northshores or V-drives (I use 'em on my DH bike).

I use my hardtail (Imperial, natch) for mostly urban riding, so Al cranks wouldn't stand a chance. I use FSA X-drives, and love 'em.

 

[llkoolkeg]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by RITFreeRider
Since you're building up one of the most bad ass freeride hardtail frames you might want to consider 3-piece cranks. A used set of profiles will serve you well. Also the FSA X-Drives work pretty well.

For standard cranks you can't beat Race Face North Shores. Also FSA has this new pounder crank that is cro-mo arms but fit an isis bb.

As far as bb, the Truvativ Giga pipe I believe comes in that size. Also the Race Face signiture series is really nice. I wouldn't get the evolve series seeing as they are made in Tiwann I believe and they seem to self distruct.

Hope that helps
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Well, I have to AGREE with all that.

If you have an Imperial, chances are you're riding it pretty hard, and if not, well, you should be. 3pc Cromo is the way to go; aluminum cranks just don't really cut it, especially on a hardtail that gets abused - there's just so much more stress there. On a suspension bike, I wouldn't have any qualms about using Northshores or V-drives (I use 'em on my DH bike).

I use my hardtail (Imperial, natch) for mostly urban riding, so Al cranks wouldn't stand a chance. I use FSA X-drives, and love 'em.

 

[RITFreeRider]

Maybe I'm hard on parts and that's why I said 3-piece for a hardtail. But for what you want that's the way to go and thanks guys for backing me.

 

[binary visions]

I may be outvoted but that doesn't mean I'm not right!

 

[Ghost_rider]

Is a 3 piece cro-mo crank the same as a BMX crank? If so, I don't think I can use an evil guide...

As for application...I'll be using the Imperial as an all-round playbike to replace my '01 RM Pipeline which BTW is still on the same square-tapered RF cranks and BB(granted they are starting to creak). At most I'll be doing like 4-5 foot drops, some DH and riding the aggressive singletrack scattered around my place. It'll also definately make it's way to Bromont a few times during the summer as well. Oh yeah and can't forget...I'll be using it when I cruise around downtown with my girlfriend

The worst abuse my cranks take currently other than the occaisonal smashing is when I land crooked and ALL my weight is on just one of the pedals. The Imperial won't be as forgiving as my RM so the BB and cranks will have to be able to handle that force (btw, I weigh 155).

Matt

 

[RITFreeRider]

Yes you can still run the evil guide with 3-piece cranks, most will come with a spider.

For your weight you could get away with running aluminum cranks though. The FSA V-Drives would work really well. But don't toss out the idea of 3-piece they may cost more but they're certainly outlast your frame.

Just my .02cents.