derek.fulmer

Can anyone recommend one? I've been looking at SRAM Force, SRAM Red and some FSA models but I'm not sure which one would be better (ie-stiffer, lighter, stronger, etc.) than another.

Also, is there any reason I should get shorter cranks than the current 175s that I'm using now? I feel like sometimes the longer cranks make my pedal strokes really choppy, especially when climbing. It feels like there's a lot of give or slip in my cadence at times.

Grumpy McTrumpy

Ultegra SL

derek.fulmer

Hadn't even considered the Shimano stuff. Would they be compatible with my SRAM parts?

Grumpy McTrumpy

should be. I have a SRAM crank on my DA time trial bike.

derek.fulmer

So, I'm looking at the SRAM Force, SRAM Red and a couple different FSA models. I've often heard that FSA isn't all that great, is this true? I want something that I can really feel my power going through my pedal stroke.

KendallF

I'd recommend the Shimano cranks, but not for any of the reasons you mention. I have had all sorts of cranks and the stiffness, weight, power transfer yada yada is mostly marketing BS. If they're not falling off, you couldn't tell the difference in a blind test.

What Shimano does have down, however, is the shifting. Their front rings are the best shifting ever, in my experience. I'm running DA rings on my BB30 Red crank right now, matter of fact...

One other thing, the Shimano end bolt plus two pinch bolt design seems to be less problematic than the single bolt design of FSA/SRAM.

derek.fulmer

I'll look more into the Shimano cranksets. I still have it in my head that you can't mix and match brands in your drivetrain system.

TrueBeliever

used Dura-Ace cranks.

dstrong 

There are a bunch of different opinion out there on the optimal crank length...this one is based on inseam.

inseam < 29 inches - 165 mm crank
inseam 29 - 32 inches - 170 mm crank
inseam 32 - 34 inches - 172.5 mm crank
inseam > 34 inches - 175 mm crank

I'd say if you're below 6' with normal proportions, the 175 might be long...but you've not stated your height, so can't be more help.

FlashBazbo

Ultegra 6700 and its hollow big ring is a lot stiffer than the SRAM and FSA cranks. The Ultegra might be ugly (IMO), but it's the stiffest popular-brand crankset out there. And SRAM is designed to be compatible with it.

ErichM

I agree, the 6700 is ugly :-( Mine works great though. Was only $199 from Performance bike as well. I used coupon codes I googled. Not sure if they have any coupon codes right now, but $199 for a 6700 standard double is a pretty decent price, free shipping too.

derek.fulmer

I'm 6'3". My pants inseam is 34 inches.

ErichM

I think you should probably stick with the size cranks you currently have. Kind of an expensive mistake to be made if you decide you don't like the switch...

AngryScientist 

ANY 10 or 11 speed crankset will work with your sram group, period.

ericm979

For cycling you use cycling inseam, not pants inseam. Look it up to see how to measure it. Most would recommend a 175mm crank for your leg length but it's a personal choice. If you feel that shorter cranks work better, use them. But I don't think that shorter cranks will fix a poor pedal stroke.

You're not going to "feel power" through the crank. Stiffness in cranks and frames is a marketing tool. It doesn't make a difference in your actual speed on the bike.

derek.fulmer

Thanks for the replies. I realize cycling inseam is different from pants inseam, and I do need to look up what mine is. I also realize that marketing techniques play a huge role in the consumer world, I just want something that's better/stronger than what I have now. My current crankset, mainly the arms, feels very cheap and weak to me.

uncrx2003

I would go with Force since competitive cyclist has it on clearance right now for $150. Can't beat that deal.

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za....ID=&BRAND.ID=

FlashBazbo

One of the funnier comments I've read recently. Granted, if you weigh in at 140 lbs. or find it difficult to generate peak power of 200 watts, that may be true. If you've ever experienced chainring flex or BB flex, you know that stiffness matters. (There's an aluminum Giant with FSA crankset in my past that was very flexible. Disconcerting on hard accelerations.)

FlashBazbo

I agree on all counts. The 6700 crankset is so good that I have it on my Dura Ace Di2 bike.

AngryScientist 

wow, that is a stupid cheap price. if i remotely needed a crank, i would jump on this.

derek.fulmer

I did not see that! Thanks for the tip. Is there any reason that the current force cranks would be better than this one? Competitive Cyclist says it's the 2007 model.

AngryScientist 

they look different, thats for sure, i'm sure these are fine, they just need to get rid of them.

gospastic

I just got a set of Force cranks. They are a whopping 25g heavier than my Red cranks. If on a budget definitely get Force.

derek.fulmer

This is so very tempting. My only concern is the crank length not sure if I should stick with the 175 or go lower.

uncrx2003

CC also just sent me a 15% off code for everything. I'm thinking about getting this myself. Is there a big difference between rival and force?