Bike Setup: Land Shark custom with Ouzo Pro fork, King headset, Ritchey OCS bar and stem, Ksyrium Equipe wheels, Thomson seat post, Chorus derailleurs and cassette, Record Ergo carbon levers...and these cranks.
Summary: When I repainted my 'Shark and refurbished it, I bought these cranks.
It's one of those components that just feels and looks right. Maybe it's heavier than Dura Ace or the Carbon cranks and its square axle hole isn't gee-whiz high-tech. But after you ride these cranks a few times (and tighten them) you never have to think about them again.
I think these cranks are actually stiffer than anything I've tried with Octalink or ISIS. But more important, they feel smoother than any other set I've tried when I pedal them. I don't know why this is so. I felt that way even after I changed the outer ring to a 50T ring made by TA.
Strengths: Strength. Beauty. Smooth operation. A modern classic.
Weaknesses: I'd say price. But you can get good buys on them. And they're a bargain next to the DA or carbon cranks.
Similar Products Used: Dura Ace, Ultegra, 70s/80s era Record sets; test rode FSA carbon and TruVativ.
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: Calfee Dragonfly, Record 10, Zipp 202s or 404s on race day - bike under 16 pounds.
Summary: This crankset came with the bike I bought on eBay. It has a Phil Wood BB, which I would like to say is a very very light (ti model) and nice BB. The cranks look great. I'm 6' 180 lbs and strong, and I can't flex 'em. And you can get great deals on them too, so why go with Japangnolo when you can Campagnolo? Doesn't scrath so much like Durachi 7701 cranks and feels stiffer against torsion - must be better rings.
Strengths: Good scratch resistant finish. Square taper BB is time-tested and allows room for bearings, unlike Octalink and Isis (where the bearings fry because they're so small).
Weaknesses: Square taper BB limits your options if you want a carbon crank, although Campag makes the prettiest Carbon ones.
Similar Products Used: Two other generations of Record, previous two generations of Dura-Ace, Bontrager, Shimano DX, FSA Carbon Compact (nice and torque-y, but I don't know about the spider's durability and quality).
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: 1991 Tommasini 15th Anniversary SLX/SPX, Record group
Summary: My Record crank is 7 years old with thousands of miles, and it still looks new and the chainrings are barely worn. These cranks are worth every penny and are actually a great value! A lot of things that cost $250 you could buy don't even compare in quality and longetivity, like a $250 VCR or whatever. I could probably sell my crank for not much less than I bought it for.
Strengths: Pefect finish, ultra durable, logos don't wear off, stiff, totally cool, beautiful, holds up to big riders (I'm 6'3" and 190 lbs), available in longer sizes like 177.5 & 180
Weaknesses: None
Similar Products Used: Campy Chorus, Daytona
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: It's not going to make you any faster, but if you like the best of form and function and you can afford it (along with your kids education), this is it. You will never regret spending the money
Strengths: This crank rocks. It's cool, strong and tough. If you want the best the Italians have to offer, this is it.
Weaknesses: Sure does cost a lot. I had a small problem keeping them tight at first, but after a few hard rides they decided to stay on. Maybe it was my fear at overtightening the bolts.
Similar Products Used: Dura Ace, C-Record, Super Record
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
5 of 5
5 of 5
4 of 5
4 of 5
