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Submitted by
J AYALA
a Weekend Warrior
from BROOKLYN
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | Bills bikes(now out of biz) | | Strengths: | Stiff and Light!
Customer service(@gigantex) is great!
| | Weaknesses: | The original set I purchased had a flaw at the pedal mount threading. | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | 95 Mongoose Rockadile frame and stem.
WTB Momentum GG headset and hubs.
WTB Laser rims.
Manitou SXr fork.
Sram 9.0sl Shifters and Derailer.
Sram 9.0 Brake system.
Gore Ride on gear and brake cables.
Shimano XT cog.
2001 Gigantex Carbon CRANK W/Race Face rings
Rolhoff SLT99 chain
| | Bottom Line: | The Original set had the flaw described by almost everyone who wrote a review here. But since talking to Steve Lee @ Gigantex, I was assured the the flaw was fixed and that the new cranks won't have this problem and they also come with a 3 year warranty. I have been using the new set for 6 months now and have not had one problem. I check everyday to see if there's anything out of place ,but have not found anything yet. I'm happy with the new set I recieved From Gigantex.
Will Let you know in the future how they are holding up. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Flanny
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa
Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very cool. | | Weaknesses: | They break | | Similar Products Used: | Race Face, Shimano | | Bike Setup: | K2 4500C, carbon everything | | Bottom Line: | Same failure as below, juts happened this weekend. I was also lucky in that I noticed the loose pedal ono a pre ride inspection! (whew!)
Until this weekend I thought the cranks were awesome! But if they break...That's no good. Anyway OGD is supposed to warantee them so....I'll see how quickly I get them back. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a Racer
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont / Mont St-Anne | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Look good, Stiff | | Weaknesses: | They Break ! | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano XT | | Bottom Line: | I Finally got new ones after 2 MONTH of waiting. !!
I should have bought XTR !!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Haoming Chang
a Racer
from MI
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | moab rim | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | look cool, stiff(when not broken), eat shock well | | Weaknesses: | they break!!! | | Similar Products Used: | RF lp's, kooka forged and non forged, ionic :), carumba double barrel, ultegra, XTR, XT, tioga revolver | | Bike Setup: | crazy stuff- curtlo 24hour frame, king HS, marzocchi Z-2 atomBAM w/ rcr and S-fly crown, hope disc, hayes(crap) disc rear, ringle disc-o-tek wheels(weak and heavy), thomson post, sdg saddle, ESP 9.0 SL drive, easton monkeylite bar, xtr front der, xt bb, time pedals, mad crazy tire combos. | | Bottom Line: | they lasted through some crazy riding, but int he end they BROKE and BROKE is not good-
dont buy them bc they break, buy ones liek FSA's /RF that DONT break- theyre really stiff and feel really good when not broken- if u hae any ques about parts email me
supermoose@hotmail.com
peace | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen
a Racer
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont, Mt St-Anne | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Light. Look good | | Weaknesses: | Don't last !! | | Similar Products Used: | Shimano | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher Procaliber, Time Atac carbon, XTR brakes, Crossmax Wheels, 9.0 Brake level and derailleur, Manitou sxr. | | Bottom Line: | Note that I bought mine in Canada. They are sold in Canada by O.G.C.. I'm certain that they are the same but they have the OGC logo on them.
I was satisfied with this product until this weekend. My cranks exhibited the same failure to others here -- the pedal mount delaminated from the crank body. We will see how the company handles my warranty issue and I'll repost. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Gledhill
a Racer
from Anderson Island, WA
Date Reviewed: December 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Devil's Gulch | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Weight, looks, stiffness | | Weaknesses: |
Creaky, material failure, poor design | | Similar Products Used: |
Raceface, Coda, Syncros | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale Raven | | Bottom Line: | Watch out! My cranks recently exhibited a similar failure to others here -- the pedal mount delaminated from the crank body. It's a total material failure -- something I've NEVER seen in a crank, or any part in recent memory. The cranks are creaky even when tightening with grease and over-torquing. We will see how the company handles my warranty issue and I'll repost. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MattN.
a Downhiller
from Bozeman, MT
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
North Shore | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Looks
Light | | Weaknesses: |
EVERYTHING! | | Similar Products Used: |
Race Face
LX
XT
XTR
AC LoPro | | Bike Setup: |
'98 M2 Stumpy
Azonic Dbl Wall riser
Azonic Shorty stem
Rhyno Lites
2.35 Kujos
MRP Crosspeed-1
'99 Z1 BAM
No cranks right now. | | Bottom Line: | These things really are pieces of junk. Unless they have drastically updated this design, the cranks blow! Why am I so pissed? I was bunnyhopping a curb, and when I came down on the pedal, it ripped the entire insert out (see posts below). They aren't just FALLING OUT! The supposedly forged Al rod is really just two thin bars of what appear to be magnesium that shear VERY easily (see my review of the Manitou Pro fork. Same exact shear pattern). The carbon is just glued around the insert, so it provides very little strength or stability. I'm still picking shards of carbon fiber out of my leg, from when it slid down the crank after breaking. And I only weigh 170 pounds, which is the worst part of it. Maybe they ought to sell this as a race-day only part. It'd just be easier for them to send me a refund, because when I get my new cranks from Nytex, I'm just going to go and sell them, so I can buy the cranks that I should have in the first place- Race Face. If nothing else than the pretty colors, at least Al cranks bend instead of shattering into your leg.I'd give these cranks negatives flaming piles of cow dung if I could. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lane Halmes
a Cross-Country Rider
from Salt Lake
Date Reviewed: September 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Looks
Weight | | Weaknesses: |
None...so far | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
basic s-works m-4 | | Bottom Line: | I got these from Bills Bikes for $150 shipped fed-ex COD. I guess they are selling their remaining stock at $150.00shipped. These are good cranks and I don't have any complaints so far. I think I am going to be happy with them judging by the rest of the reviews. Bills Bikes was hard to get ahold of but at $150.00 I am glad I did. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bikenh
a Cross-Country Rider
from lebanon, nh
Date Reviewed: September 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Gas Can Randolph VT | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
looks | | Weaknesses: |
delivery
customer support
durability | | Similar Products Used: |
LX | | Bike Setup: |
M800 all XTR except cranks and rings. | | Bottom Line: | Finished dead last in a 22 mile cross countryl race after the aluminium insert for the left pedal fell out 8 miles into the race. When it fell out the pedal also went for a ride and is now lost in the weeds somewhere. I hope they get replaced under warranty. To bad I couldn't get reimbursed for one pedal also. PLEASE NOTE:
There is another review similiar to this below...insert pulling out. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Buckle
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wigan
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Les Arcs 2130m to Seez 800m, the Alps, France | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Rigidity, weight, impact resistance. | | Weaknesses: |
Non found so far | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR cranks, FSA Sidewinder | | Bike Setup: |
7005 alu hardtail, manitou answers. XTR drivechain (Except cranks) | | Bottom Line: | Brilliant product, well worth the price - which isn't all that bad in the first place! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pup
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
Direct support from mfr. in UK | | Bottom Line: | IF YOUR CRANKS ARE GIVING OUT, YOU CAN GET DIRECT SUPPORT FROM THE MANUFACTURER!Email either of these gents: Steve (steve@nytex.com.tw) or Deano (duerkop@camalott.com). Either of them will get you set up with a warranty replacement.Rumour has it that BillsBikes is defaulting on payment to the manufacturer, and won't be providing them anymore. However the two gents from Gigantex appear to be extremely helpful and attentive; I got an email back within an hour. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tryad Vador
a Weekend Warrior
from Zion Ill
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
price,looks | | Weaknesses: |
spider,cuctomer service | | Similar Products Used: |
shimano xt | | Bike Setup: |
k-2 ozx noleen carbon front fork lp downhill bars and seat post spin rims xt rapidfire shifters,brakes and drivetrane,frog peddles giro nissine saddle kore b52 stem criss king headset and these meesed up cranks. | | Bottom Line: | The cranks looked ok except a couple of flaws where they didnt get excess off(no big deal)I recieved them in the mail quickly enough.I had my local bike shop install them. They informed me that the spider was warped.At wich time I gave them the # to call bills bikes ,they did with no reply So I tryed for three weeks with no reply then finaly received a message from them saying for a new spider it would cost me 20.00 So much for there warantee and customer service.SO I emailed them and told them it was defective (again) No reply and Im still waiting .This has gone on now for over 4 months please do your buisiness else where.I thought it was a good value and I was helping the little guy,well from now on Im sticking with the big fish.Im gonna kiss my 200.00 away and buy ZIPP carbon cranks(at least a company that stands behind there product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Malkowicz
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Anything with dirt | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Nice Looks
stiffness
weight
Price | | Weaknesses: |
no glossy finish
no local dealers | | Similar Products Used: |
just other non carbon cranks | | Bike Setup: |
Stumpjumper S-Works
Manitou Carbon | | Bottom Line: | I don't know why all the flames are burning this place to a crisp, I have had these cranks for a while now and havn't had any problems except for the occasional tightening. They are stiff, and the look really nice. I have abused them without any creaking or breaking. And I received pretty quickly from Bills Bikes. I didn't have any problems with anything, good solid product, and cheaper than the FSA's that look like the same thing.I would give 4.5 just because they don't come glossy | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shaun Green
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tulsa OK
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Weaknesses: |
These cranks suck... The quality stinks and mine like the review before mine also fell apart in the exact same place... This is a BIG RIP-OFF and so is Bill's bike's that sold them to me... I can kiss my money goodbye... | | Bike Setup: |
I ride HILLS and MOUNTAINS on a custom built road bike. We just did the ride the Rockies tour and I ride about 150 miles a week on an average... | | Bottom Line: | STAY AWAY FROM THIS VERY INFERIOR PRODUCT OR TRY THEM YOURSELF IF YOU LIKE THE LOOKS AND YOU DON'T RIDE MUCH... IF YOU DO RIDE A LOT AND HARD THEN FORGET THESE LIGHTWEIGHTS.... ONE STAR BECAUSE SOMETHING HAS TO BE GIVEN... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ned
a Cross-Country Rider
from boulder
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
cool looking, competetively light, stiff, | | Weaknesses: |
FELL APART!,
high-ish Q-factor | | Similar Products Used: |
Shimano, Rhino | | Bike Setup: |
Dean Scout, XTR, WB UL-70 | | Bottom Line: | Fell apart w/ no provocation. The aluminum pedal insert delaminated from the carbon. Happily, self-destruction was gradual (was able to ride 15 miles out before pedal finally detached completely), thanks to the aluminum skeleton which runs the length of the crank inside the carbon. Loved these cranks until this weekend. Will attempt to get 'em replaced on warranty. Hopefully this was just a freak occurence. I will give 'em 1 more shot. One star, to counter my previous (under another alias) 5-star review. Never broken any crank before, and I am not happy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MattN.
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonds, WA
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Shore, urban, DS, etc. | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Light
Stiff
Good looking yet stealth
Low price
Replaceable spider
Tough to scuff up
Low q-factor | | Weaknesses: |
Soft Al inserts (pedal/spindle)
Cheesy spider-feels like cardboard
Noisy
Misleading info from Bills about BB size(heard it's better now)
Heavier than reported (445 on my scale) | | Similar Products Used: |
Son of Strongarm
Race Face Turbine LP | | Bike Setup: |
'98 M2 Stumpy
Rhyno Lites
Pyro cranks
XT BB (107/73)
Azonic Shorty stem
Azonic Dbl Wall riser
XTR RapidRise rear
single ring in front
MRP Crosspeed-1 tensioner
Platform pedals
Just snapped my fork (getting Z1 BAM I think) | | Bottom Line: | These cranks rule! Excellent purchase. They are very stiff, light, and wear-resistant. I've taken these things to the North Shore, and on everything in between. They are very difficult to damage, as I've scraped them on concrete, roots, logs, etc., without any deep wounds. They look totally trick, but they aren't offensive or ridiculous looking, like a set of purple anodized cranks or something.I bought them partially because of the replaceable spider (they replaced my SOS cranks which I had bent the spider on), and because of the lifetime warranty (I break things).Only complaints are that Bills Bikes suggested 4 different spindle sizes, all without any further info, so I just stuck them on a new 107mm UN-72 BB, which is working just fine. Also, these cranks are NOISY!!!! I got so sick of it that I finally put loctite on everything! I pulled off the spider, and put it on the 2 bolts, as well as the ring bolts. Also pulled off the arms themselves and put some blue loctite on. They continue to make noise though, just not quite as bad as before. It really irritates me.Also, the Al in the spindle insert seems to be very soft. I've actually managed to move, for lack of better word, the cranks while standing on them and going down a rough trail. It almost seems as though the spindle insert has become rounded. If it gets bad enough, I'll try contacting Nytex (Bills bikes is very on/off, well, mostly off, for customer support).Oh, and for some reason they sent me some GiGantex stickers along with my crank. Too bad GiGantex only owns Nytex who supposedly makes the cranks. GiGantex sounds like a name from some anti-government/big business propaganda junk or something. Glad the cranks are logo-free.One last complaint about Bills Bikes. They are an absolute pain in the arse to order. You either give them your bank account #, or you get dinged $8 for COD. Good thing BB is the only place that sells these, or else they'd never get any of my business.I give these cranks 5 flaming monkey corpses. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd S
a Cross-Country Rider
from New London, CT
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Extremely Stiff
Reasonable Light weight
Durable
Excellent Customer Support | | Weaknesses: |
Somewhat soft aluminum material that mates to the BB spindle
HEavier Weight than claimed
two piece spyder/crank (unlike race face for example), heavy spyder. | | Similar Products Used: |
XTR
Cook E's
Race Face | | Bike Setup: |
Ventana MPS | | Bottom Line: | My last reveiw was quite a long time ago, and i'm now posting a follow up. I have to say that these cranks have held up better cosmetically and otherwise than any other crank i've owned.. I've beaten them on rocks, crashed a number of times (not devastating though) and only minor facial blemishes have been suffered. After a number of months riding them, I can easily say they are much stiffer than XTR and look much better after months of hard riding (no ugly scuffs everywhere). They do require periodic tightening however, and i have run into a problem recently which is that the cranks simply do not stay tight on the BB any longer. I've been in contact with Nytex directly and am incredibly impressed with their customer service on this issue. After only a few days, another set of cranks is on its way to me.. I can't stress enough how important it is for a company to really stand behind its product.. IMO, you can have a great crank, but if a company won't back it, its worth nothing.. all it takes is that one bad accident, or that one little manufactuers defect and you may be sidlined for quite a long time while the company gets its act in gear.. Not with Nytex however!
I can't give these cranks enough praise.. the only thing that could make them better is a one peice spyder/crank, or even just a nicer spyder that isn't so heavy (what really weighs the crank down). I am told though that newer versions of their products are following so keep your eyes peeled! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared Morris
a Weekend Warrior
from Grass Valley
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
stp | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
stiff, strong. duable finish, GREAT looks. good (not slopy) construction | | Weaknesses: |
creaky at first, jelousy by your friends | | Similar Products Used: |
uh...ther really isn't anything similar | | Bike Setup: |
canondale f700 frame, judy xc with a mix of xc and trials parts | | Bottom Line: | I ride hard. I'm not smooth or subtle. I ride trials, trails road, air, whatever is ther, so I can say these cranks are great in every situation. tighten them good, or you'll have a nice loud creak for a long time. continue to tighten periodicly for about a month, then just be happy and ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bzzzt
a Cross-Country Rider
from TX
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
700m acres | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
fairly light, very stiff, abuse resistant, nice looking | | Weaknesses: |
if I have to choose something.....spider bolts were coming loose for a while. Medium strength loc-tite solved the minor problem | | Similar Products Used: |
not tried other carbon cranks | | Bike Setup: |
Dean ti with an abuse proof array of componentry | | Bottom Line: | After 6 months on these cranks I am still very impressed. Despite numerous contacts with rocks (much limestone here in central texas) they have very few shallow gouges, no worse than an aluminum crank would recieve. Stiff, make my last set of Sugino cranks feel like boiled spagetti. Although I am not concerned with the weight of my ride, the crankset with syncros rings is pleasantly light. For the price of these cranks or for any price, they are well worth the investment. I am sold. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R.Everett
a Cross-Country Rider
from St. George, UT
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bloomington Loop/Gooseberry Mesa | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Very stiff (but I'm only 140 lbs), light, very trick, good price to weight ratio. | | Weaknesses: |
Developed a creak under load but will check BB and spider/rings/pedals connections again...
US Distributor (Bill's Bikes) hard to get in contact with by phone either they're very busy or short on help. | | Similar Products Used: |
No other carbon cranks. | | Bike Setup: |
'98 GT STS w/SID XC, Raceface Ti BB and rings. | | Bottom Line: | Do your homework...but a must for consideration on bike upgrades. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Fernee
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus OH
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Channel 9 DH Brisbane, Australia | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | I've owned these cranks since December 98 and have ridden them XC and DH. I've crashed, slammed into rocks and generally given them a good workout and I can hardly find a scratch on them. They are light, strong and look awesome. As for flex, I can't really notice as they're on a long-travel FS bike. For the price (currently US$170 at Bills bikes) they are a great investment. I believe that FSA now sells what looks like the same cranks for $300 and gives them a lifetime warranty. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blane
a Racer
from az
Date Reviewed: April 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
I don't like trails | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
good looking finish, high on the stiffness scale, nica and light | | Similar Products Used: |
dura-ace cranks | | Bike Setup: |
kestrel km40 | | Bottom Line: | So I have the road cranks not the Mtb. ones but I thought I would throw my two cents in. These have the looks hands down over anything else, I don't feel any flex at all but I onle weigh 145# pounds and havn't felt anything flex (except for toplines :-) Really solid and lightweight crank and they really get noticed on your rig too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Jacobs
a Cross-Country Rider
from NorCal
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Lemurian | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Attention to Detail, finish quality, weight | | Weaknesses: |
No Graphics, no 177.5 | | Similar Products Used: |
zipp | | Bike Setup: |
Ellsworth | | Bottom Line: | I got these cranks a while back and I am very happy with them . They are much nicer looking than anything else I have rode. I have had a pair of Zipps in the past that didn't give me any major problems but I feel more a little more secure on these. they are not the absolute lightest set on the market but I think for the money and they quality of work you cannot go wrong. I have rode all day in mud and rain and havn't had any problems, and I have whacked on roots and crashed the hell out of them and they re holding up. Good solid piece of gear, especially for eye candy | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad Jacobs
a Cross-Country Rider
from NorCal
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Lemurian | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Attention to Detail, finish quality, weight | | Weaknesses: |
No Graphics, no 177.5 | | Similar Products Used: |
zipp | | Bike Setup: |
Ellsworth | | Bottom Line: | I got these cranks a while back and I am very happy with them . They are much nicer looking than anything else I have rode. I have had a pair of Zipps in the past that didn't give me any major problems but I feel more a little more secure on these. they are not the absolute lightest set on the market but I think for the money and they quality of work you cannot go wrong. I have rode all day in mud and rain and havn't had any problems, and I have whacked on roots and crashed the hell out of them and they re holding up. Good solid piece of gear, especially for eye candy | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R. Shook
a Cross-Country Rider
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Crankarms look great- very stiff. | | Weaknesses: |
Spider is a little cheesy- how about
a carbon spider? Also this crankset
is heavier than the manufacturer claims. | | Bike Setup: |
Homegrown hardtail | | Bottom Line: | great stiff cranks- you will get many compliments with these on your bike. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lawrence
a Racer
from Manning
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Very stiff, relatively lightweight, looks good | | Weaknesses: |
not splined | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Carbon trek frame, sid fork | | Bottom Line: | This is a nice crank. I checked the weight and it was around 380 without the spider. it was 411 with the spider. but the e-mail I got from the manufacturer said tht they were 414. Overall the look and the ride is really sweet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DAve
a cross-country rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Got these cranks in September and have been killing them ever since. I race XC in the fall for school so they were raced as well as taken on fun rides, city rides and whenever else I rode. They are really stiff, really light and transfer power better then anything I have ridden. Steve at Nytex has also been really helpful whenever I have had a question or problem. Get them!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Burrito Bob
a cross-country rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: January 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Great cranks. Gorgeous, stiff. They are a bit wider (about 1/4 wider Q-factor) than most of the current Shimano and Specialized products (my other bikes), but great.Only one problem so far. One of the bolts that secures the FSA spider onto the crank was not tight, and fell out. We discovered that one day, when the crank developed a creak. So, a word to the wise -- check those little bolts, and maybe through a little dab of loc-tite onto it.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Buckle
a cross-country rider
from Wigan, UK
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had these cranks for just under a week now and I am amazed. Not only do they look absolutely gorgeous, they are the stiffest, lightest cranks I have ever had the pleasure to ride on.As I have only had them a short time I will post another review every so often to let you know their progress.In summary:A sexy cranks and serve their purpose perfectly, better than the XTR and Middleburns I have tried. A bargain price for a superb piece of engineering, BUY 'EM!If I wasn't on a budget I would buy the entire range!The best product have bought since I started MTBing, DESERVES 6 chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from usa
Date Reviewed: January 6, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Short & sweet....
I ordered a pair sight unseen from Bill's bikes. They are in carlsbad and I live in San Diego but they never had a pair in the shop for me to take a look at. But for $169 to my door who could go wrong. They arrived today and I must say they are beautiful. The spider is a bit cheesy but the rest of the crank is top notch. As for the whining about the stickers, who cares. They should be removed anyway so not to retract from the beautiful sight. Have not installed them so will post again on fit & function.
As for Mr Bzzzt below, the guy should chill out and not post stupid remarks like that. I had the same problem with my order but William did return my calls & e-mails, it was a bit spuratic though. But hey, the guy runs a buisness and dosen't have time to sit like us and fret about our order every 5 min's. So I don't know what B's problem was but I wouldn't want to talk to him either with that kind of attitude. The order took 5 1/2 weeks from the time the check went out my door to the time the cranks arrived. Which didn't surprise me since they are designed in Denmark, manufactured in Tawian and marketed out of carlsbad.
Just remember, they cashed your check so you won't be quote ripped off its a buisness and thats your reciept.
Also William included one of their h-bars to cover ihe inconvience :^)So my rating so far is 3 chili's, can't pick 3.5...
2 for delivery, upgraded to 3 for extra part
4 for looks
Many miles everybody.......... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd S
a cross-country rider
from Princeton, NJ
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
After some initial ordering problems which were quickly remidied by Bill's Bikes, I received my cranks a few weeks ago. The finish is outstanding, although I didn't care much for the stickers and removed them easily. After a few hard rides, the cranks are proving to be extremely durable, and have sustained only minor scuff blemishes from a few falls on rocks - something which surely would have marred my XTR cranks. I weigh 200 lbs, and the cranks seem to be just as stiff as the XTR cranks, although I'm riding on a dual suspension so its not very evident when the cranks do flex. As far as the weight, my scale weighed them in at 415 grams with spyder. Still fairly light, and definatley cooler looking than alu. cranks. I'll post a followup review in a few months after I have a chance to really ride them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony D
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, WA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Since my last review, the weather here in the Pacific NW has been unceassingly rainy and nasty. I've ridden anyway and feel I can now give this crank a definitive bad weather and crash damage resistance rating.My two most recent rides are great examples of this cranks durability. Friday, while riding downhill along a shale pile, I biffed sending the bike skittering down the shale about 30 yards (it was STEEP). The impact was bad enough to seriously ding up my 747s (still ridable), knock my stem loose, tear up one of my new Yeti hardcore grips, and break my cycle computer wire. Though this damage is relatively minor, an Al crank would've probably emerged severly scratched or maybe gouged. The damage to the Nytex was mostly to the finish, only very fine scratches can be detected.Two days later on Sunday, I was riding the road to some local singletrack. It was raining pretty hard, but I was pushing the bike pretty agressively into the corners. Though I can't accurately judge my speed since my cycle computer wire hadn't been replaced, I lost traction in a corner and went sliding off the road at about 25-30mph. Again, the cranks came out in good shape (I however have some lovely road rash).The bottom line is that after riding this crank through some of the nastiest weather and conditions I can find, it's performance has been exactly what I'd hoped. It is very light weight, I have noticed zero flex (on my CAD3 frame, flex is usually not that hard to identify), though not impervious, I feel it has resisted damage better than Al cranks, and it just plain looks good too. Given that they are currently selling for less than the price of big name Al cranks and probably have a longer fatigue life, I would recommend this crank to anyone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Albert
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: December 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
mainly bought them for the coolness factor...yeah, they're pretty cool. they feel pretty stiff. i can't say how stiff. the way it is for me, they either flex or they don't. these don't. the logo didn't last that long. it would be nice if they could figure out how to do something more durable. i've only had them for about a month so don't know how they're going to hold up. the quality looks good. the spider does kinda look cheap though. it looks like it's been rattle canned. you can probably take it off on polish it and it'd look pretty good....or if you don't care what it looks like leave it and it'll work. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deano
a racer
from Texas
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Here is an overall review from 8 mtb racers that participated in a month long test. The Installation: all racers said that they did not have any problems in this area. One recommendation is to use 17mm spider/chainring bolts to stop them from loosening if you have experienced this problem. One rider had a problem getting his Coda chain rings to align up because the chainrings are offset and the thickness of the FSA spider is thinner than Coda uses. He used shims to help this but had to buy a small chainring to get everything even and shifting properly with no chain suck. Normal chainrings work fine with no problems. It was reported by another rider that a 107 mm BB works fine for his hardtail. I would recommend between a 107-113 mm bb then. The Ride: Every rider raved about the ride saying they could not tell the cranks were even there. There was no flex on the CM-213 cranks(cranks in this review)by seven of the eight riders. My clydesdale rider weighs around 250 lb and he noted minor flexing when doing bunny hops three feet in the air. There was no flex when seated or standing during climbs. He has so much leg power he recently twisted a dura ace BB spindle on his road bike during a climb. Everyone reported a low Q factor and noted that these were as stiff as tubular chromoly cranks they have ridden in the past. The exterior finish held up flawlessly during the tests. A few riders did recommend a little more exterior coating in the shoe rub areas. No one has rubbed through it and this was just a recommendation. These cranks were ridden in all parts of the US. No rider could get the coating to scratch deep enough to actually expose the the carbon fiber. All reported minor surface scratches where the arms impacted large boulders or doing log crossings. Final Visual Inspection: The cranks were removed and inspected for visual flaws. The carbon/aluminum mating surfaces were examined extensively. There was no visual separation or change in form from the side load tests that were performed. This must be due to the machined aluminum and drilling after the cranks come out of the molds. There were some concerns in these areas from other manufacturers in the past and these passed with flying colors. To report on the actual weight of the cranks and spiders: 175mm mtb cranks(350 grams), 110mm spider(65 grams), 94mm spider(55 grams). These parts weighed within 2 grams of manufacturer stated weights. I think people screw up the numbers somewhere along the line. Fred's review of the weights is totally correct. The only negative comments that were received from the riders was they thought the price of $265-300 for a set of cranks without rings was a little steep. I have to agree but I wonder what RaceFace will set their new aluminum/carbon cranks at, probably $300. I hope this review was informative and I enjoyed doing these tests. In my opinion the best cranks in world are the ones you install and just forget about. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a cross-country rider
from Ventura, Ca
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok, time to break the mold here, NOTHING's perfect.
You don't give out a top rating unless it is!These are really nice cranks! But, I think I liked the slightly
narrower profile of my old('94) XTs.
Other than that my only real gripe is that they aren't as light as expected.
They're about an ounce heavier.
(408gm w/spider and spider bolts)
I bring up the wt issue becouse I hate lying manufacturers and retailers!!
At least FSA has a resonable wt figure on their website. They probably
make the things in the first place, I don't know.Still, I think they're a good value. They're a bit lighter than what I had
and I guess they're stiffer(I can't tell(140#)).
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony D
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, WA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I would have liked to have had more miles on these cranks by this point, but a knee injury combined w/difficulty in obtaining the rings I wanted has left me w/60 singletrack miles on these cranks so far. I will post an additional review at the 200mile mark.So far, the highest compliment I can pay these cranks is that I don't notice they are there---that's a good thing!! They have zero flex and their low profile leaves my foot in a very natural position. All of the singletrack miles I did were in the Columbia River Gorge area. For those of you not familiar with the Pacific NW, terrain is wet, slippery, and pretty much straight up and down. I figured my 200 lbs. grinding up the side of the steepest climbs I could find would be a good test for these cranks. They passed w/flying colors. I also briefly had this crank installed on my 26 BMX cruiser. I worked these cranks over on the local BMX track, often certain death for MTB cranks and rims. I still could not register any flex in the crank. I ride a CAD3 frame and have a new WTB BB installed so flex is not that hard to notice---I noticed none. The Nytex so far has shown itself to be very stiff, light and resistant to damage. A couple biffs have marred the finish of the crank (you can only tell by running your fingers over it) but no gouges or scratching has occurred. As a bonus, it is a gorgeous looking crank, especially compared w/the other carbon fiber cranks out there and it looks good matched up w/my pewter Race Face rings.Stay tuned for a longer term test..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glad Vlad
a cross-country rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: November 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've only got a couple of hundred miles on these cranks at this point, but holy cow are they nice -- couldn't resist posting. And, I've already crash-tested them and smacked them really hard on rocks (call me clumsy if you like), resulting in only minor scuff-marks (less than aluminum woulda had) on the pedal-ends of them. I was sketched out at the idea of carbon cranks at first, but now I am convinced that they are as strong as anything else, at least. Quite stiff (though this is prob'y a moot point on my Ti frame -- definitely have some BB flex), very light, and beautiful. Decals are a joke; polished them off w/ Turtle Wax Polishing Compound (finer than rubbing compound), adding a sick sheen to the whole crank. There's no crank I'd rather have. BTW, FSA, who make the spider (as well as some of the ugliest cranks in the world), appear to be marketing these same beauties under their own brand at their web-site (www.fullspeedahead.com). Included are some compelling strength test results, though I question their relevance, since I suspect they're applying low-speed forces to test fatigue cycles, rather than sudden-impact type blows (i.e. the type of hit that would normally toastify a crankarm). Oddly, a 107mm BB made for a perfect (48.5mm) chainline, whereas Nytex recommends 113mm. Good thing, since these don't have a very low Q-factor. Anyway, get some right away; you won't regret it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben N
a cross-country rider
from Hudson OH
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These cranks are sweet. They are light and relativly inexpensive. I cant believe how tough they are. Some people think since they are made of Carbon fiber that they would chip if you smacked a rock. This isn't true, I have hit rocks prety hard and they don't have a scratch. I sove how they look, they are super fat and make Toplines look like a tooth pick. I havn't noticed even a bit of creaking or flex like on my Son of Strong arm. They definatly deserve a big 5. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Martin
a racer
from Durango, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All the good things you have heard about these cranks is 100% true. These cranks offer both light weight and good looks with out sacrificinig durability. The absolutely do not creak when you stand up to crank on them. I am sponsored through GiGantex and I have had nothing but cooperation with this company. They are an excellent company who stands behind their products and know what they are doing. Look for them to be on a lot more bikes on the circuit and on the podeum. I know they will be on mine!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blake
a racer
from Montgomery, AL
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Very, Very, Very nice! These cranks are stiffer than ANY I've ridden before. The are almost a pound lighter than my previous sugino cranks. With cranks this stiff, it makes my full-suspension feel like a hard tail when accelorating, quick and responsive! I would definately suggest these as a wonderful upgrade if in the market for cranks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony D
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, WA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just received my cranks in the mail. This review is based soley upon my initial impressions. I will submit a more detailed review in about two weeks after I’ve put 100 singletrack miles on them. Until I have more real world testing I will give them the average of the previous ratings so as not to bias the reviews. My initial reaction was Whoa!---these things are just beautiful. They are suprsingly wide but still very light. The finish covering the carbon fiber is nearly flawless. Upon very close inspection, I did find a couple hairline imperfections and divets in the finish. Let me emphasize that these imperfections are very small and much less noticeable that those on the last crank I bought (’96 XT). Perhaps most importantly, the union where the aluminum bonds to the carbon fiber is flawless. The joint is machined so that I can barely find a ridge w/my fingernail where the two materials meet. The spyder joined to the crank appears to be made by FSA. Additionally, the stickers w/the manufaturer’s name on the crank arm probably won’t last long in the grime. My 1 ½ year old daughter was able to pick one off---I must admit, the crank looks better w/o it.I will be mating these cranks to Race Face 22x32x42 (pewter color) and a WTB momentum bb. I’ll report back after I put a bit of a pounding on the cranks.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carsten Rugaard Fisker
a weekend warrior
from Denmark, Europe
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A note from Dennark. This is one of those products, that gives me back hope, that there is infact companies, who really does make extremely high quality, low price, products. This monster of a crank, has cost me about half of what I had to pay for my Syncros Revolution Steel crank. I thought the Syncros Revolution would be hard to compete with - it is very stiff and lightweigth - but I was wrong. The Nytex Carbon crank is the stiffest thing, I have ever had my foot on, it simply does not flex, it does not creek, there is just not any loss of transmission force, what so ever! It is like putting your pedals right on the rear hub, what a great feeling. Eventhough I weighs 220 lbs and have quite strong leg - from 13 years of dedicated weight-training - I still can not feel any flex! This is the only crank for all you big guys out there and every one else for that matter. And to all of you conserned about hitting rocks with your new carbon baby - don´t you worry. Mine has taking some quite nasty hits and it just did not care. And this is another great thing about the Nytex crank, it LOOKS and FEELS as solid as a tank. It really feels like you can drive through anything. This product is the reason, that there is a Hall of Fame catagory. It sets the standard, nothing competes! Keep up the outstanding work Nytex. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
luke deder
a racer
from ca
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I dop not know why but for some reason my review got bumped off here. Anyways these little snoochie boochies rock!! I have had them for a little while now and havn't had any problem. Except for graphic of Nytex on the side wearing off. If you get em just use your nail and scrape it off yourself they look better plain black. They just didn't get the name on the carbon very well, who cares. They are just plain stiff. No crunches, or anything like that. ANd some guy wsa talking about how carbon isn't cool and all the weight freaks should worry about it. as far as I can see this carbon is cool, and when the freakiny little thing is about 60 grams lighter than whatever else is out there it makes a difference, especially since that is rotational weight!! So if you would be so kind...Rack em another 5 red hot chili peppers
OUT | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron Compton
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have only put about 100 miles on these cranks so far, so this is more an intitial impression than a long-term review.
The quality of the manufacturing looks nicer than the Zipp cranks a buddy is riding, and the finish is nicely done, thought the graphics are a bit cheesy. I wore through most of the decal, and just rubbed the rest of it off with a little acetone. The aluminum inserts seem really nicely finished, and inserted firmly into the crankarms. The spider is made by FSA (Who are also marketing these cranks on their site, it appears). I am using Race Face rings, and had to file down a bit of the big ring to clear the crankarm. I am using a Syncros Chromo BB (a 107 spindle) and have yet to notice any creaking. I had to re-tighten the crankarm bolts after the first short ride, and installed Syncros Ti Crank-O-Matics. No problems there. Also, be sure to use a bit of Loctite when installing the chainring bolts, and the spider bolts.
The cranks seem stiffer than I expected (and stiffer than the Syncros Forged cranks I was using). The power transfer is great, and I have had no creaking from them. I haven't yet taken a big spill, so I don't know how well they will handle a crash. I will review again after about 500 miles. All in all, a very nice package. Great looks, light weight, and stiff. Do yourself a favor and break the Race Face clone mold.... try'em! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a cross-country rider
from Boston, MA
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got these cranks from Steve Lee for free. When I first picked them up, I was astonished at their lightweight and good looks. After installing them, I went for a short ride and then the next day went for a long ride on rocky, hilly terrain. The cranks did not absorb much of the vibrations which made them get really loose. But at the same time, I had not had a chance to tighten them appropriately so this is mostly my fault. I got home from that ride and tightened the cranks more and they rode great. They creaked for a few more hours, until the aluminum around the spindle changed its shape a little. Now they are so quite and run great. The energy transfer is so much better then anything then anything I have tried prior to these. And they can take a pounding regardless of what the guy below me says. I two races this weekend and Sunday was really rough and I fell a few times on rocks. The cranks don't even have a scratch. These are really tough cranks. Everyone should try them.For those of you with doubts about carbon fiber, dismiss them all. I play hockey and have used graphite and carbon sticks. I know how strong these things are and how much they can take. Carbon is very durable if used correctly and not too thin, Gigantix has come up with a manufacturing method that takes full advantage of Carbon, making a lightweight and highly durable crankset.Five five-alarm-barn-burning chilis!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a racer
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got these in the mail so I only have a few days of riding on them, but so far they have exceded my expectations. I was a little leary at first about putting these on my bike, but I will have no worries from now on. My cross country bike is out of commision right now so I installed them on my downhill bike and went on an urban assault to try them out. 10-15 loading docks later I really started to trust them. Yesterday I took them off road for the first time to my favorite downhill where the Cannondale DH team does some of their testing. It is jam packed with rocks and severe dropoffs, no problems what so ever to report. I still have tagged them on a rock yet so I don't know how they will hold up to an impact, I will probably give another review in a couple of weeks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a weekend warrior
from Taipei
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I have known these people, managers and engineers, since 1996. At
that time, they were struggling with the thermoplastic MTB frame. It was
not their design but they were just trying to refine it. So far, as I have
been a test rider( I usually pay less, this is a so-called test rider) for a
long time, I have found no major problem on their MTB frame. During Taipei
Show 1998, I purchased a set of their CM212/3. They did not give me the
room to have a free set, even though I had been a friend for them for more
than 2 years. For this, I have to complain at them. O.K. The NT$4,XXX.00
paid was not a waste of money. I replaced my XTR with this CM213. It has
been working very well since that time. Stiffness is superior to any crank
I have tried. I can feel my pedalling force greater - perhaps it is the
result of its light weight and stiffness. The finish is the most exquisite
carbon finish I have seen among the bike products - not a decoration under
thick clear coat but a pure carbon fabric looking - splendid!!!! I asked
them why they did not want to paint the clear coat. Their reply was funny
Simply, we do not have enough people to do the painting jobs, so we have to
make the molding condition perfect. Very smart and good thoughts. I give
not only the product five chilis but also these youngmen five chilis.. My
pleasure to be with them, always.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a weekend warrior
from Mass
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
They also have a less expensive version available (for us not-so-rich folk) which you can check out at their website, http://www.waahooo.com/index.htm They look awesome, I can't wait till I have enough dough to buy these babies! Now I just wish my company was busy enough to give me some overtime pay... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a weekend warrior
from Taipei
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this carbon crank set from my friend who is doing racing for the provencial team of, Tainan, Taiwan. About 20 sets of cranks were given away by this company at that time. I was fortunate to have one set. I love my crank set. It is stiff and light weight. I did some crashes on the mountain areas and it did not show any effect on this crank set. Furthermore, from my friend, I have heard that all the provencial team racers like this crank set. None of them is broken during the period of 10 months of trial. Hence, it is certainly a five chili product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john Hanover
a racer
from Ca
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These cranks kick @ss. That is all there is to say, no flex, no CREAKING and not a lot of bucks. They are super light too. I just wish they made a road crank. But these babies will do for now. Give these another five chilis served uphot and ready to go. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joey skelton
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
James,It is good to see somebody else that has discovered these Cranks. They are soooooooooooo stiff. This makes a difference in the fact that when I am putting the power down on a climb or on a flat section section or whatever I can tell that none of my power is being wasted. I ordered my cranks directly from the company. That was before they had an american distibutor. I have only three or four other people with these in my local area. But if you want to stoke your bike out with some great gear these should be on the list. They are also about the best looking set I have ever seen.....carbon is so prettty!!!!! Oh and one last thing James, they are flaming chilis, 5 of them at that. not balls of fire or whatever. :-)Joey | | Overall Rating: |
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