'Proper' track/fixed crankset vs. any old road double.

[GrahamG]

With a new frame on the way I've been toying with upgrading a few bits, primarily the crankset. Now I'm beginning to get the impression that a 'proper' track crankset is really only offering cosmetic benefit as surely the extra stiffness is not going to be that noticeable, or is it?

I'm currently using an old Shimano square taper 105 double crankset with the ring mounted on the inside and a 110mm BB for a 42mm chainline.

To bling or not to bling, I suppose that's the question!

[Ian H]

I have an even older cheap SR chainset that dates from the 80s, and takes an old-style Campag ring. It's fine. I even occasionally polish it (you can get a really good shine on non-anodised aluminium).

[Chris N]

the extra stiffness is not going to be that noticeable, or is it?

Depends if you work for Cycling Plus or not.

[clarion]

And then it probably depends on which is the more generous supplier.

[Blah]

the extra stiffness is not going to be that noticeable, or is it?

Depends if you work for Cycling Plus or not.

Ouch! I agree though ;-)

[GrahamG]

the extra stiffness is not going to be that noticeable, or is it?

Depends if you work for Cycling Plus or not.

LOL. I'm sure half of the issue aesthetically is that the ring is mounted on the inside of the spider but I just can't be bothered to try a shorter BB incase the inner mounts foul the chainstay. Considering I really could do with a decent eVent/gore waterproof, I think I'll abandon aesthetic bike preening!

[arabella]

No no no
what you really want is the permanently attached (?swagged) chainring and cottered cranks off a sturmey archered shopper bike.
does me fine, with the constant fun of having to bash the cotter pins back in (weed that I am)
anything else is just new fangled stuff etc.

[clarion]

My fixed has a cottered chainset

[Zipperhead]

does me fine, with the constant fun of having to bash the cotter pins back in (weed that I am)

Take the cotter pins out, and on the flat section you'll probably find some ridges. File the flat section flat again, put them in & tighten them up and they should be fine.

[Zoidburg]

I run an old Campag Strada, which is identical to a Pista but takes an inner ring as well, the tabs for it are very low profile.

The BB is the more important factor and it's pretty easy to grind and file the inner tabs off if they touch the chainstay.

[MSeries]

My Sugino GLP is a 144mm PCD double and looks very similar to Sugino 75 when the outer position is used. I am afraid it's about (retro) bling for me.

[rogerzilla]

the extra stiffness is not going to be that noticeable, or is it?

Depends if you work for Cycling Plus or not.

And they get stiffness at the sight of anything costing more than £300.