Cross-Check SS build – crankset recommendations, please
 

Building up a single-speed Cross-Check from scratch. Recommendations for a durable crankset that won't break the bank?

My favorite on the square taper side would be the Sugino Messenger (or Cool Messenger on the higher end or occasionally referred to as RD2 for the regular) crank. It is a pretty solid 130bcd crank and I have run one for a long time now (or technically two but mostly one at a time)

Though these days I really do prefer the 2 piece cranks in the Hollowtech II vein. Suzue has the Pro Max Track Crankset and they generally are known for good quality stuff. There is also Andel Deluxe at the bottom end but Andel cranks are decent enough for a low cost build. I wouldn't go with SRAM as the GXP BB is not a great one. You could potentially also find an older 105, Ultegra or DA crank or something and make that work just want to find a 130bcd which are easy to get used. You might need to play a little bit with where the chainring sits either outside or inside but it is not a bad way to go.

If you want something cool looking and not ridiculously expensive for what it is, the FSA Vision Track Crank is another 2 piece crank in 144bcd. It is not cheap but a lot less than the Sugino 75 Direct Drive crank I own.

The Sugino Messenger is definitely on my list, but up in Canada, it ends up running around $400 CAD, which puts it in company with a lot of other options. How sturdy do you find it? I'm on the bulky side.

It is quite sturdy. I have a little extra to love myself and haven't had issues.

Man, building up a Cross-Check as a fixie... it's kinda retro already.

If you're trying to save money, there are tons of used 144mm and 130mm BCD square-taper road cranks out there that have tons of life left in them. To use the outer ring position, you'd want to use a shorter bottom bracket to get a good chainline. As an example, I've got an old Sugino GP130 with a 104mm bottom bracket on mine.

Somfab.com currently has some of their branded Sugino XD2 cranks on sale for 65% off, putting them at about $40 US. Use code presidentsday24.

Like this one: https://www.somafabshop.com/shop/new...#attr=2635,740

That looks like a hell of a deal, thanks! Are those confirmed as Suginos?

I've picked up two sets over the winter, and they both have "XD2" cast into the back of the arms.

Keep in mind though those are listed as 110 BCD cranks, most single speed and fixed gear chainrings are 130bcd or 144bcd. You can find stuff and you can probably also run as is and maybe do OK but just wanted to make you aware.

New Albion is good stuff, one of my favorite bikes was built on a N.A. Privateer frame (it is also a crowd favorite most who ride it also love it)

I got one of the New Albion cranksets from Soma on sale for $40 a couple weeks ago. It is a compact double (110 BCD) with XD2 marked on the inside of the arms. A chainguard is fitted on the outside position leaving a 44t inside. It is described as a 10-seed ring. I'm using a 1/8" fixed cog and tried to keep the same chain. Sure enough, as soon as the connector came around there was an interference with the chainguard. This is an old style master link with a flat plate and open-ended clip. Popped that off and turned it around to face the inside and no more problems. What a deal from Soma!