what crank?

[grizphrog]

So, the wifey gave me the OK to build a new bike. A new fixie, and I need to figure out a crank. I would like to do a 110 BCD, because Surly has a lot of sweet chainrings for it, but would be open to another idea. The most basic one would be a Sugino, square taper, 110, cheap, durable. Another idea is a Profile Design, or a Middleburn - although not sure if they have a 110 spider available. What about outboard bearing cranks? What is the long term durability of the bearings? I need some help!

edit - oh yeah, it is going to be ridden off-road at least some of its life!

[myron]

How about a White,with an even more sweeter chain ring? It could be hella sweet (http://psyclestore.com/product_info.php?cPath=29_34&products_id=98).

[markie]

People have problems using white and that style of cranks using a fixie. Any play in the crank ring interface allows the nut holding the ring in place to come loose when you backpedal.

[fxdwhl]

I've got the Sugino XD's and like them just fine. It takes a little to center the ring on the crank since theres a gap between the ring and the spider. Once set though you're fine.

I wouldn't recomend the Surly rings though. Stainless has a long wear life but it's pretty soft. I put a flat spot on the 110bcd 34t I had by not fully clearing logs/rocks. If you do get one run a bashgaurd if you'll ever need to hop anything. I've also heard of them folding too.

I've since gone back to the Salsa rings and after a bunch of hits it's still true. And I'd also avoid any proprietary ring/crank interface.

[Hand/of/Midas]

i just got some shimano (which i normally stay away from) tiagra external bearing guys going on my fixie, and so far so good, i wouldnt say i go off roading on it, but i do monster truck everything without hesitation, kinda like the monster truck demo in dekalb a bit from me earlier, ran a bunch o people over and all, kinda like that is how i ride.

[PlatyPius]

I am a devoted RaceFace freak. I have 3 sets of cranks on the same number of bikes and they have never let me down. This is a good testimonial - I'm a mechanic, I jump off of things, and I weigh 275lbs.

See if you can find some old Turbines or North Shores with the ISIS BB. Otherwise, I've had good luck so far with the external bearing bottom brackets.