Xyrium

Hi Folks,

I have an old Specialized FSR XC, which uses a Shimano FC-M540 crank, tooth count: 44/32/22. However, I admittedly crossthreaded the heck out of a set of pedals a few years ago, so the arm threads are badly mangled. Even though I plan to trade it in (FWIW), I want to fix it first.

One online store advised that I should update it with a new 10 spd, Deore crank with a different tooth count, but I was just going to drop in a newer Alivio level crank (and BB), since it's a 9 spd and maintains the same tooth count. The wear on the current cassette isn't too bad, and I'm trying to avoid spending too much time trying to make chain length and derailleur adjustments. So, which would you suggest is the quickest, and most cost efficient route in replacing this crank?

I can't post URLs yet, so the models are either the Deore M6000-3 or the Alivio t4010.

Just a reminder, I'm moving out of this bike shortly, so this is just to get it on the road again, and for whomever it ends up with. Even if I keep it, it would not see downhills like it did in the past.

Thanks!
Paul

aggiegrads

If you have a well-equipped or well-established shop in your area, the best option is to put thread inserts into your current cranks.

The shop needs these: https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...8&category=220

Your best bet would be a co-op if there is one in your area.

2old

If you can't repair with inserts, you might look for a used crank first; you shouldn't need a new BB unless yours is trash. Lastly, the Alivo should work fine.

jimc101

Would find out how much your likely to get for a trade-in first before putting any money into it.

If it's a 26" old FS bike, it's going to be pretty much worthless, if it has the Brain system, even less so, you may find that just replacing the crank with a new one may cost more/be similar to what you get for the trade in (used is a nice idea, but whatever you do, you will have the complication of the BB, as it could be one of 4-5 different systems, hard to tell from just the model of the bike, as to what you have).

fietsbob

Online shops Push the latest parts , Wholesale warehouses supplying Bike shops ,

have an inventory of older parts , they ship to your LBS, to use repairing older bikes ..

Darth Lefty 

jimc101

Deore could be square taper, Octalink or HT2, same with Alivio, the crank may have another brand which is ISIS, chances are that if the bike is 9 speed, it won't be HT2, but it could be, without knowing more from the OP, you can't be specific.

Xyrium

Wow, thanks folks, this is a ton of info. I truly appreciate the guidance. The bike is indeed an old 26". It's a 2006 Specialized FSR XC Pro Disc, to be specific. I almost snapped up a pair of crank arms for it from ebay, but missed it by one evening...grrrr. BTW, I would think the labor on tapping the threads after wrenching off the pedals would be greater than simply replacing the crank, Doesn't the crank have to come off for this process anyway? Also, the BB uses Octalink, not sure which version though. It would be great if the LBS could just grab the Alivio and drop it in, given its price. The Alivio is probably of the same quality (possibly better?) than the Deore on this bike is.

I have photos I could post after I pass the minimum post restriction. However, I am also unable to post more than 5 times in 24 hours it seems. So sorry for the delay, What an odd catch 22.

Let's see how this pastes in from bikepedia:

Frame & ForkFrame Construction
TIG-welded
Frame Material
A1 Premium Aluminum
Fork
Rock Shox Recon 351 Air, 100mm
Fork Materal
Magnesium/aluminum, single crown
Rear Shock
Fox Triad for FSR XC, 100mm travel
ComponentsComponent Group
Mountain Mix
Brakeset
Avid BB-7 disc front/Avid BB-7 disc rear brakes, Avid FR-5 levers
Shift Levers
Shimano Deore
Front Derailleur
Shimano Deore, top-pull/clamp-on 34.9mm
Rear Derailleur
Shimano Deore XT SGS
Crankset
Shimano Hollowtech, 22/32/44 teeth
Pedals
Shimano PD-M505 SPD
Bottom Bracket
Shimano BB-ES30, 118mm spindle
BB Shell Width
68mm English
Rear Cogs
9-speed, 11 - 34 teeth
Chain
SRAM PC-971
Seatpost
Aluminum micro-adjust, 30.9mm diameter
Saddle
Specialized Body Geometry Rival
Handlebar Extensions
Not included
Handlebars
Specialized XC Low Rise
Handlebar Stem
Aluminum
Headset
1 1/8" threadless steel
WheelsWheel Size
26" wheels
Hubs
Specialized Stout disc
Rims
Mavic X139 Disc, 32-hole
Front Tire
26 x 2.00" Specialized Adrenaline
Rear Tire
Not Available
Spoke Brand
Stainless steel, 15ga. (1.8mm) straight gauge
Spoke Nipples
Brass nipples

fietsbob

..

Xyrium

LOL, so you're saying, just go to my LBS?

I already emailed, and called, then left them a message. They aren't the speediest, but I'm working that angle as well.

fietsbob

Or buy more tools..

jimc101

It will be V2 (the only version that is generally available), V1 was high-end road specific.

The ES-25 is an example of a V2

For the Alivio idea, Most Alivio are now HT2, there is an Octalink currently available, but if buying, make sure that you get the right version.

Xyrium

Thanks guys. The tool idea, I'm all for it. I have a decent set already, but buying crank pullers, bracket pullers....stuff I'll only use once every 5-10 years (I hope) isn't in the cards right now for an outgoing bike.

I'm going to have to try a different bike shop, because my local is not easy to communicate with.

In the meantime, the Alivio T4010 seems to use octalink (according to the listing on Nashbar), and has a tooth count which is comparable, in addition to being a 9 speed. Seems like the ticket if I can't find someone to tap the current arms. I can order one for $60 including shipping. If both the old Deaore and the new ALivio used the same crank puller, I'd probably give it a shot, but I'm not sure about that...

Darth Lefty 

Xyrium

Grr...just ordered the Alivio crank, and the darn tool...the latter of which will probably sit in the tool box with the various fuel injector pullers, differential drain plug tools, etc. for the next 50 years after this. LOL

Now I've got to sell this bike, for at least something...aren't 26ers making a comeback?