Shimano R601/603 vs. DaVinci crankset?
07-15-12, 11:22 AM
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Shimano R601/603 vs. DaVinci crankset?
As I continue with my long range plans for our Speedster, I'm reviewing the crankset issue. At present, we're still running the original Shimano 6503 triple crankset (Octalink V1). I realize that both the new Shimano & the DaVinci should be lighter --static & rotational -- than our 6503. Our non-tandem riding LBS feels that 601/603 should be a better route (he readily admits that he knows nothing of DaVinci). (On a side note, I really do like the bling of polished crank arrms/spiders, but form needs to follow function here, I think.)
So, my question is which crankset would you choose, and why?
So, my question is which crankset would you choose, and why?
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Learn from other people's mistakes. You won't live long enough to make them all yourself.
2004 Co-Motion Speedster
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Jeff
Learn from other people's mistakes. You won't live long enough to make them all yourself.
2004 Co-Motion Speedster
2010 (Specialized) Carmel comfort (my neighborhood bike)
2008 Raleigh comfort (wife's neighborhood bike)
07-15-12, 11:37 AM
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Choice is good. Shimano looks modern but is one size fits all in bottom bracket width which means one chainline and one Q-factor. I think it allows two crank lengths. daVinci allows BB widths from 109mm - 129mm (separately for each captain and stoker ) and many cranks lengths. Chainrings: I hope you like the few that Shimano makes for that crank because other brands will look funny.
If you keep things a long time keep in mind that Shimano abandoned their previous tandem crank has went years without making one. You can still buy the same daVinci crank as in the late 1990s (not sure of exact date). Downside of course is that the daVinci hasn't changed in a long time.
Bottom line Shimano is a good crank and the current style while daVinci provides many more options and classic (old fashion) style.
If you keep things a long time keep in mind that Shimano abandoned their previous tandem crank has went years without making one. You can still buy the same daVinci crank as in the late 1990s (not sure of exact date). Downside of course is that the daVinci hasn't changed in a long time.
Bottom line Shimano is a good crank and the current style while daVinci provides many more options and classic (old fashion) style.
Last edited by waynesulak; 07-15-12 at 11:43 AM.
07-15-12, 06:09 PM
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daVinci...
Because I've already made that decision five times since 1998 and haven't found any cranks that are truly "better", noting I've never felt square tape bottom brackets were lacking in any way.
As Wayne notes, while you are limited to using square taper bottom brackets, that ain't such a bad thing. With davinci you can pick your:
1. crank length (160mm - 200mm),
2. your drive-side configuration (double, triple),
3. your BCD (104, 110, 130),
4. you can opt to use the steel or Ti bottom brackets they offer in a wide range of spindle widths to suit your preference (103mm, 107mm, 110mm, 113mm, 118mm) or any of the other fine square taper BB's from SKF, Shimano, Phil Wood, etc., noting Phil Wood has just about every size you could ever want.
5. you can use the FSA rings that they offer in several different size, or again source others that suit your preference.
You can even opt to have the crank arms anodized (at additional cost) if that is appealing and/or if you don't think you will be diligent enough in washing sweat and sports drink spillage off the polished aluminum arms and spider after rides, as the acids in sweat and sports drinks will mar the finish.
Oh yeah, and if you're not doing the belt thing, you can't beat daVinci's spiderless CNC'd 34t timing rings for simplicity and perfect concentricity (is that a word?). If you are doing the belt, no worries: you can use them with daVinci cranks too.
However, if you're a fan of other BB systems and find square taper too retro / not stiff enough.... look elsewhere.
Because I've already made that decision five times since 1998 and haven't found any cranks that are truly "better", noting I've never felt square tape bottom brackets were lacking in any way.
As Wayne notes, while you are limited to using square taper bottom brackets, that ain't such a bad thing. With davinci you can pick your:
1. crank length (160mm - 200mm),
2. your drive-side configuration (double, triple),
3. your BCD (104, 110, 130),
4. you can opt to use the steel or Ti bottom brackets they offer in a wide range of spindle widths to suit your preference (103mm, 107mm, 110mm, 113mm, 118mm) or any of the other fine square taper BB's from SKF, Shimano, Phil Wood, etc., noting Phil Wood has just about every size you could ever want.
5. you can use the FSA rings that they offer in several different size, or again source others that suit your preference.
You can even opt to have the crank arms anodized (at additional cost) if that is appealing and/or if you don't think you will be diligent enough in washing sweat and sports drink spillage off the polished aluminum arms and spider after rides, as the acids in sweat and sports drinks will mar the finish.
Oh yeah, and if you're not doing the belt thing, you can't beat daVinci's spiderless CNC'd 34t timing rings for simplicity and perfect concentricity (is that a word?). If you are doing the belt, no worries: you can use them with daVinci cranks too.
However, if you're a fan of other BB systems and find square taper too retro / not stiff enough.... look elsewhere.
07-16-12, 02:50 AM
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From a performance point of view I can't see how either of these will be any better than what you have. Just get them polished to make then shiny. Maybe some new chainrings too.
As TandemGeek said the DaVinci is very versatile but this is only relevant if you are unhappy with the lengths and offsets you already have.
The new Shimano will have Hollowtech, outboard bearings, more rigidity, blah, blah but I haven't noticed going any faster on my bikes that have all that stuff.
As TandemGeek said the DaVinci is very versatile but this is only relevant if you are unhappy with the lengths and offsets you already have.
The new Shimano will have Hollowtech, outboard bearings, more rigidity, blah, blah but I haven't noticed going any faster on my bikes that have all that stuff.
Last edited by Dean V; 07-16-12 at 02:56 AM.
07-16-12, 02:12 PM
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We choose the Shimano, I got a really good deal on them, now that we have them I am extremely pleased with them. They ar stiff, lighter than our FSA cranks that they replaced and the triple rings shift exceptionally well. I like the hollow tech design and the outboard bearings.
07-16-12, 07:30 PM
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We are going with the Shimano cranks on our new Seven Ti. Several people have related to me that the Shimano triple shifts flawlessly with the 6703 shifters. We shall see.
07-17-12, 05:18 PM
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We have the DaVinci cranks on our Calfee - 5,000+ miles and no problems. 170 for both Captain and Stoker, Ti bottom brackets. We use FSA chainrings, 53/39/26, with Ultegra 6703 front derailleur. Shifts great. A little bit of work to keep them polished, but they look great with our translucent Cobalt Blue frame.
