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Best square taper crank option for 11s Shimano 9xxx groupset

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Best square taper crank option for 11s Shimano 9xxx groupset

Old 04-13-20, 08:34 PM
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fraba
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Best square taper crank option for 11s Shimano 9xxx groupset

Hi,

Yes, I know, it's a weird question. But my intent is to modernize my 1992 Merlin Titanium. It has a proprietary press-fit BB, meaning that I am stuck with a square taper BB. I looked at White Industries VBC crankset and Sugino Mighty 901D. While they mention that they are 10-11 speed Shimano compatible, I am just wondering what kind of performance I can expect with Shimano mechanical shifters form 9000 and 9100 series. Any experience sharing would be greatly appreciated. I could test it but hey! the price tag is on the high side!

Thanks for you help on this.
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Old 04-13-20, 10:02 PM
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If it were my bike, I'd opt for the Rene Herse crank with 11+ speed rings. Pricey, but better to cry once, right?

https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop...double-cranks/
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Old 04-14-20, 06:42 AM
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There are a bunch of various Sugino, IRD and FSA square taper cranks out there intended for 9-10 speed that work fine with 11.
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Old 04-14-20, 09:37 AM
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One thing to make sure of no matter which crank you end up buying is whether it is compatible with your current BB spindle. before buying anything, measure the overall length of your spindle so that you can find a compatible crank
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Old 04-14-20, 12:22 PM
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Thanks to all of you for your advices and information.

I also thought about fitting 11-speed chainrings on my old Dura Ace 7400 crank. I have search the topic but did not find clear indication about the feasibility. My understanding is that it may be a highly uncertain project. Any thoughts or experience on this?
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Old 04-15-20, 06:35 AM
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I'd look into a possible BB replacement, starting with the exact ID of the frame.
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Old 04-15-20, 07:53 AM
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Originally Posted by DaveSSS
I'd look into a possible BB replacement, starting with the exact ID of the frame.
It's a 1991 (yes, I thought 1992 but S/N confirmed 1991) Merlin Titanium Road with the Suntour Grease Guard BB. I have investigated this possibility but no existing BB fits in there. Not standard, diameter is too small. The ultimate solution is to cut and weld a new BB shell
I don't want to do this since this design is a little piece of history... I have no problem being limited to square taper crank. Just looking for members' experience about shifting quality with modern STI shifters.
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Old 04-15-20, 12:08 PM
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I’d start by trying your 7400 crankset with the rings that are on it. What can you lose? Worst that can happen is the chain falling in between the rings but you’ll find out right away if it will.
That’s a 130 BCD crank, plenty of modern ring options available if it works.
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Old 04-15-20, 05:23 PM
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Here's a pic of the Merlin BB.

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Old 04-15-20, 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by ThermionicScott
If it were my bike, I'd opt for the Rene Herse crank with 11+ speed rings. Pricey, but better to cry once, right?

https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop...double-cranks/
That takes my breath away. I'm referring to the price. I literally gasped.
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Old 04-15-20, 06:59 PM
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Originally Posted by noglider
That takes my breath away. I'm referring to the price. I literally gasped.
We're pretty spoiled by the prices on 40-year-old C&V cranks, aren't we?
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Old 04-15-20, 07:51 PM
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I thought it IS a 40 yr old C&V crank?
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