CRANK SET REPLACEMENT

[devatul]

Hi
I bought a Softrider V2 last August and I am happy with it.
Two days ago I "swept the ground" approaching sideways a kerb slope
Tyres were wet and muddy and I flip over - no body harm but a right crank bent ( 160 mm ) :cry:
After a quick research I find that a 160 mm crank on a spider holder for 48 - 34 chain rings is not common here.

I am 51 and my knees are not too "steady" if you old boys know what I mean.
I was comfortable with the current cranks and drive train ratio
I am 182 cm ( 6 feet ? ) tall, slender 70 kgs and I have not strong knees

What would you think its the best investment of my money I can do ?

Order original replacement 48 - 34 compact cranks set from USA ?

Buy local crank set 165 mm ( assuming I can get hold of it ) with same original chain ring 48 - 34 ? ( 165US$ )

Buy crank set 170 mm to fit standard chain rings 52 - 38 ?

Assuming a replacement of the rear cassette too, I may embark in calculating the possible options to get the combination that equals the current required torque but I would still miss "the knee" feelings for I have not terms of comparison.

Further ... I use the bike every day and installed a chain protection to prevent grease stains on the everyday clothes ... It fits to the mm the 48 chain ring .. few mm of difference on the set up and the chain rattles against it .... anybody successfully install same protection on a 50 - 52 chain ring ? ( which ? where to buy ? )

Any direct experience / suggestion / other possible options may come from out there ?

Thanks for your contribute and sorry for the lengthy appeal

Atul
( name is strange for is Sanskrit ... but I am got regular Italian ancestors .. just I am an Osho sanniasyn :shock: if you have ever heard of the old man )

 

[Doug Burton]

Hi Atul,

Sorry to hear about your "ground sweeping." I am 51 and I can relate to your observations!

It sounds like the 160mm/48/34 combination works for you and matches the accessories you have installed, perhaps it's best to stick with that setup.

Here are two US sources for 160mm cranks for US $39:

http://www.choppersus.com/store/product/660/Crank-Set-for-3-Pc.-160mm-SLVR/

http://www.ebikestop.com/bulletproof_bmx_track_crank_arm_set_160mm_silver-21897.php

These are essentially equivalent to the original equipment cranks on your bike. You may be able to source the "Bullitproof" branded cranks closer to home as they are Tiawan-made and in common distribution. Sometimes they are hard to locate because they are considered "BMX" cranks and don't get listed with the road and mountain bike parts.

How are the chainrings, did they get bent? you can usually straighten them one time, but not twice. The chainring bolts should be re-useable.

Let me know what you need, we should be able to help you sort this out.

Best,

Doug

 

[devatul]

Quote:

THANKS Doug !
chain ring seams OK before di assembling and 39 US$ accommodates nicely shipping and VAT expenses !
I' ll give a try to the American suppliers you mentioned.
Invaluable support yours. in fact everything fits ( body first included ) with 160 mm and that's was first choice in my mind.
Yes I spilled from the bike and it was childish .... I new 20 meters before It was a hard bet but ....You know we are child at heart we cruzbikers .. even at 51

All the best
Atul

I'll keep you posted on the proceeding of the sourcing / repair -- THANKS AGAIN !