Used Cranks
09-21-21, 10:45 AM
#1
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Used Cranks
I have avoided used cranks after a bonehead move on my part rounded out a non drive side arm. That said, have folks done ok with used cranks in general? Seems like every on-off cycle raises risk of a bad seat on the square taper.
09-21-21, 12:07 PM
#2
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I wouldn’t. Square taper cranks are one of these things where are too many opportunities to screw things up, either inadequate torquing when installing, the whole “grease vs no grease” debate, stripping the threads when extracting. Some things are foolproof - square taper brands are not. I’ll buy new and any subsequent damage is on me.
09-21-21, 12:43 PM
#3
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I have had good results with used cranks, but i have sourced them from the C&V for sale section.
If you are looking for say Dura Ace 7400 used is pretty much you only option.
If you can get new cranks that work for what you need, go for it, otherwise consider the source and if you buy a used bike your are buying used everything
If you are looking for say Dura Ace 7400 used is pretty much you only option.
If you can get new cranks that work for what you need, go for it, otherwise consider the source and if you buy a used bike your are buying used everything
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09-21-21, 12:45 PM
#4
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i've never had much of a problem with used cranks. and, usually they've come with complete bikes. but, then i also only have one bike that's not vintage.
i'd buy a used crank (individually), modern or not, in a heart beat so long as i know exactly what i'm getting. i do know what to look for, though. ask questions....get pics
i'd buy a used crank (individually), modern or not, in a heart beat so long as i know exactly what i'm getting. i do know what to look for, though. ask questions....get pics
09-21-21, 12:56 PM
#5
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Being forever doomed to,Sugino XCD cranks is not the worst thing, save for price increses the last couple years.
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09-21-21, 01:08 PM
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09-21-21, 01:10 PM
#7
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^^^
...having said that, I would not buy one sight unseen, like on ebay.
...having said that, I would not buy one sight unseen, like on ebay.
09-21-21, 01:10 PM
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09-21-21, 01:19 PM
#9
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Multiple cranks, all good.
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09-21-21, 01:57 PM
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All of my bikes have had "used cranks" on them until I bought my first brand-new crank last year. Had no idea I was living on the edge! 
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09-21-21, 05:58 PM
#11
Long time part timer
good luck...in person
I have had good luck with used cranks although mine have come from in-person purchases at swaps and co-ops.
Sometimes at the co-ops crank sets are in varying levels of completeness and/or usefulness so I have had to cobble a set together - say from combining two sets or digging through the chainring bin.
Once at the co-op I was fortunate enough to find a single NDS crank arm with an exact brand and size match for one I needed to replace due to a "flared" square-tapered hole (used bike purchase). It was a different color...but I though it added character
Sometimes at the co-ops crank sets are in varying levels of completeness and/or usefulness so I have had to cobble a set together - say from combining two sets or digging through the chainring bin.
Once at the co-op I was fortunate enough to find a single NDS crank arm with an exact brand and size match for one I needed to replace due to a "flared" square-tapered hole (used bike purchase). It was a different color...but I though it added character
09-21-21, 06:03 PM
#12
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09-21-21, 06:40 PM
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I’ve bought a number of used square taper cranks off eBay without any problems. I am pretty selective and if the pics are not adequate, I’ll pass. But so far so good.
John
John
09-21-21, 11:07 PM
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I inspect everything before installing, after a good clean. If there were anything wrong with them then you would expect some marks or the threads might not feel alright.
09-22-21, 09:21 AM
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I have dozens of them. Never had a problem. I haven’t, however, used square taper on anything since the late 90s.
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09-22-21, 10:02 AM
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Never had any issue with any used cranks, aside from issues I created for myself 
Any problem with square taper cranks should be obvious just by looking at it. In general I buy used everything. Except expendables like tires, tubes, cables, wraps.
Any problem with square taper cranks should be obvious just by looking at it. In general I buy used everything. Except expendables like tires, tubes, cables, wraps.
