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Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Strong, light, stiff, still going 10 years later. Wish I could find a second set for my single-speed. | | Weaknesses: | None yet! This is the only part left on my Dean Bam-Bam that is still the original part from the original build-up. I'm finally replacing the frame now, making these the sole surviving parts. | | Bike Setup: | Dean Bam-Bam, SID, Easton Monkey lite SL, SRAM shifters, everything else XTR, updated nicely over the years. | | Bottom Line: | I reviewed these cranks 7 years ago, and I stand by everything I said back then. Except the part about Shimano making them cheaper than XTR. That's because XTR's are now as expensive as Sweet Wings were back then. Now that I'm older (and better employed) I've been lucky enough to do Moab a couple of times a year. I'm not doing the 10+ footer's, but I do launch every drop I can get my wheels on going down Porky. I've blown through front forks, bent handle bars, pedals, chain rings, and rims, but the sweet wings keep on straight. They will definitely be going on my new frame (coming soon!) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Baer
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Strengths: | Stiff power for uphill battles | | Weaknesses: | Lack of support anymore | | Bike Setup: | 1997 Fisher Procaliber OCLV, Sweet Wings crank, Rolf Propel wheels, XTR Components, Easton carbon bar, syncros ti skewers, syncros carbon post, titec 100's bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | Love these cranks. I am rebuiding my 1997 Gary Fisher Procaliber with these and am looking for original sweet wings end caps. Mine were lost a long time ago. Will pay to replace. Thanks. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cru Jones
a Racer
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt Barnaby! | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Planeaway | | Strengths: | Simple Design
Chicks dig them
Light Weight | | Weaknesses: | Gay ass spider
2 sets complete sets of chainring bolts, WTF?
Creak prone
Rust prone | | Similar Products Used: | Raceface
Various Shimano | | Bike Setup: | Custom Rod Munch MTB
Rick Hunter Custom Cross Racing Structure
Curtlo | | Bottom Line: | Well I have to admit, they game a solid 5 years of life across 3 different bikes. Until this weekend... Snap! Tore off the driveside crank arm at the BB! I will not be shy, I ride really hard, but I do only weigh 150lbs! Somthing to keep in mind.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a
from Cd'A , Idaho
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bernard Peak | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Light, Simple, Easy to dissassemble, Easy to maintain. | | Weaknesses: | Require frequent maintanence. | | Similar Products Used: | XTR, Race Face, Cook Bros., XT, Kooka | | Bike Setup: | Custom Curtlo, built up for XC racing. | | Bottom Line: | I agree with the provious reviewer. Some people should not pick up a wrench. And you can't be certain the local bike shop knows what their doing. I suggest finding a reputable bike shop if you want to have success with any product on any bike. As for the Sweets, they're great! The bearings do wear over time but no more than any other aftermarket BB I've ever owned. Use locktite, a torque wrench, clean and maintain and these things will take you a long way. They have replaced my trusty XTR's. Get out and ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ont. Can.
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Strengths: | Very stiff and smooth. Light as air. | | Weaknesses: | Finicky maintenance | | Bike Setup: | Breezer Ligtning Frame, Spinergy Spox, Marzocchi Fork, Magura rim brakes. | | Bottom Line: | There are a couple of items I feel I should address regarding other peoples' comments. First, the bearings are a standard 6804 and a 6805. Any bearing shop can get new ones. They aren't expensive. The grease seals are easily removed for regreasing. I am still on the same set of bearings after about 10000km. The play between the shaft and inner bearing race is deliberate and necessary. Otherwise the fit would be an interference one and the parts would be very difficult to separate. Use green loctite (for bearing and stud mounting), available at ANY auto parts supply shop to take up the slack. This is exactly what it is made for. Use BLUE loctite (removable) on the main bolt threads. Let this stuff set overnight. Check the bolt torque (50 ft-lbs, or 2 grunts) after every couple of rides. If the bolt was even slightly loose, take it out and re-loctite it. Regrease the bearings every few hundred km. or less if you are in a wet, muddy type of riding. They should last many good years. I bought mine used from a shop that didn't know how to maintain them. In short, they are expensive but if I can find a frustrated owner who is clueless about maintenance, I will happily take them off his hands and rebuild them for my next project. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, CO
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Colorado Trail | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Through Manufacturer | | Strengths: | Light Weight, Stiffness, Rarity factor. | | Weaknesses: | No longer made, therefore no more manuf. service | | Similar Products Used: | Grafton's, XTR, etc.. | | Bike Setup: | Ti Ibis Mojo, Velomax hubs, 517's, XTR ders. X-Ray shifters | | Bottom Line: | Great concept that was too expensive to catch on. I have used these for 6 years on both Road (orig. bearings) and Mtn. bikes (2nd set of bearings) with no problems whatsoever. Great for anyone who wants ultimate stiffness with minimal weight. Yes, loctite the main bolt. Wipe down w/ WD-40 periodically to prevent surface rust. Hopefully, patent owners will sell design to a large company who can produce these at lower cost with a more consistent level of quality control. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Bottom Line: | I reviewed this, down below, in 1997 and I still ride these cranks. What a great product, and what a bummer they are no longer produced!
Easy to install, super easy to remove for cleaning --use freakin' locktite on the main bolt-- and oh so easy to reinstall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan Fong
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensboro NC
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Everywhere | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Strong, Light weight and killer design | | Weaknesses: | Cost - - high bucks $$$$$$$$$$ | | Similar Products Used: | None since 1996 | | Bike Setup: | I sold my old C-dale and purchased a Litespeed Tsali (rocking bike). XT group. Synco Ti seat post. Titec 118 Ti handlebars.
Moved from Cheraw SC to Greensboro NC (Job promotion) More trails and closer to the mountains. Bike weighs in about over 22.5 pounds. | | Bottom Line: | It has been 4 years since I purchased these cranks and I still love them. No flex and no signs of failure. It is unfortunate that other people had bad things happen to their cranks and the poor customer service. So I can not give an opinion on that subject.
Otherwise, I will still use them.
So go out and ride a trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaxon
a Racer
from San Antonio
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Waco,Texas | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | I cant beleave these thing have lasted this long. I have raced them for three years in expert! I have had no problems with them. (in the strength)I have like 45 races on them and tons of training!! WOW!! VERY STRONG & LIGHT The whole set up is very easy to work on and change things on! Over all its a very cool set up. And YOUR FRIENDS will love them too,AND every one that see's them!!!! Some one might want to buy these if they want to show off or if you want some Bad A%# race cranks.. | | Weaknesses: | There Company sucks!! No service!! They dont call you back its very hard to get in touch with! You just can't get thes guys on the phone,even to ask a question..The cranks though are GREAT. The berings wear pretty quickly and have some slight play BUT for me having 45 races on them thats cool with me!! Dont get these if your the type of person that needs to ask the factory a million questions, or that has a HUFFY and needs to lighten ther bike.. Later | | Similar Products Used: | Every thing under the sun!! Been in the bike BIZ for to long!! Go get some Sweet wings,if not go with XTR. | | Bike Setup: | 2000 GT sts 1000 carbone, cross max, sweet wings, Avid arce supremes, Just some other cool stuff. BUT its full race bike not any of that B.S. show to your friends and not ride. "F" that!!! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP GT,And all the guy at the factory!!! | | Bottom Line: | The Bottom Line... I like them allot, and so far they have not let me down. There is allot of other products that will give you about the same thing for less money. Sweet wings are very cool and light but DAM, too expensive. If you buy some, set them up with XTR rings they work the very best.. Also expecte the company not to take care of anything if somthing goes wrong. It will take a long time to fix if you can get a hold of these guys. Some times you can get these guys "On Line" at Sweetparts.com GOOD LUCK | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brett
a Racer
from greensburg,pa
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
light | | Weaknesses: |
they suck | | Similar Products Used: |
everything | | Bottom Line: | this is a follow up. I wrote before that my cranks broke. The owner of the shop that i work at also had a pair of sweetwings. He developed the same play in them that i did. However, somehow he afrosheened them and got them working again. all was fine for about a month. We were aout on a ride and i heard him yellsome profanity, when i looked back i saw that the drive side arm had broke in two. I think they are out of buisness, but if you have an opportunity to buy a pair,DON'T!!! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Del Sharp
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vail, CO
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Two Elk | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Lightweight, strength and ease of servicing. | | Weaknesses: |
Lack of parts availability and doubt as to the future longevity of the company. | | Similar Products Used: |
Kooka | | Bottom Line: | I like my Sweets. In fact, if there is anyone looking to unload a set of Compact 58mm/94mm Sweet Wings, please email me - I'll buy them off of you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Man
a weekend warrior
from sf bay area
Date Reviewed: February 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
guess what I was wrong, sweet is still in business. they just take forever to answer their phone. they are not making cranks right now since they are trying to raise capital to make a new batch.....i just ordered a set of replacement bearings through my bikeshop....previous review is correct, tough to compete w/ the big boys when you have limited funds....aside from this, sweet wings do rock.....aside from minor flaws like imperfect plating...a little pay...not bad tradeoff for very light weight and super stiff cranks...makes my racefaces's feel like noodles in comparison....(not that they are bad cranks...I use my race faces in winter...as extra set so i won't screw up my sweet bearings $40 a pop to replace!) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a cross-country rider
from Denver Colorado
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
It used to be that I would have to replace either a twisted arm or a bent spindle once or twice each summer riding XT and old-style XTR cranks. Then in the spring of '96 I put a set of steel sweets on. I haven't had any problems with them ever since, including a 4 month tour of Europe where they suffered through plenty of rain and muddy backroad trails. They even saw some snow on the upper trails in Zermatt, Switzerland and are still running perfectly with no squeaks. I can't understand where anyone would have any complaints about these cranks. I followed the installation instructions, including using a torque wrench to set the proper torque and used the loctite they included, and I've never had them come loose. They are both stronger and lighter than any other cranks I've ever ridden. It is a damn shame their high price along with evil Shimano brainwashing kept more people from buying them. Damn shame when a superior product doesn't make it just because they come from a small company that doesn't have the $$$ to compete with the big boys. If Shimano would have made these cranks they would be less expensive than XTR's because of their simple and clean design, and they would be on every mid to upper range bike out there. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Man
a weekend warrior
from redwood city, ca
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ok kjc, i'll add a star just cause you can pound new bearings in.....question though...what about warranty work???? I know a couple of people with sweets who are bumming because the need them to be replated or the spline's tolerances are off...your kind of out on a limb when u buy stuff no longer made, especially when it's so pricy........even at blow out prices..... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
kjc
a racer
from MA
Date Reviewed: November 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Don't be foolish! The bearings Sweet uses in it's bottom bracket are standard metric sizes and can be found anywhere. Just pound the old ones out and glue the new ones in. I've had my set for about 2.5 years and had no problems when they were properly installed, just make sure you use loctite and a long wrench. Play can be eliminated by puting a thin coat of super glue (!!!) on the bearing contact area of the non-drive side, and letting it DRY before installation. This acts as a space filler, eliminating the play.
As far as durablity is concerned, I rode my first set of bearings way too long, with only the expected extra play - no crazy noises, even on a Litespeed. Two friends who have new XTR cranksets that are less the than a year old creak all over the place. After plenty of jumping, dropoffs, and high speed decending, I think they may be starting to fatigue out and sag a little bit. It's barely noticeable though, compared to any other well worn aluminium crank. They also seem a little less stiff than when new. Anyway, no aluminum crank and Ti bottom bracket on the market could last like this at this weight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe man
a weekend warrior
from Redwood City CA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Guess what folks SWEET WINGS IS OUT OF BUSINES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Good news for closeout deals on cranks, tough time in future for getting replacement bearings or warranty work!!!! .......................................................................
next logical choice is race face, morati, or many others...... I'm bummed, there ggo my sweets after my bearings wear out........Be warned!!!!!One star for a now defunct company... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan Fong
a weekend warrior
from Cheraw, South Carolina
Date Reviewed: September 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
You know for the past 2-years I have had my Wings keeping me spinning with no problems. Granted I am not into the racing scene, but I love hanging-it-out every time I ride. My Wings are on my '91 C-dale Delta-V700 hardtail with '97 XT controllers & stoppers and I have not heard any strange noises or anything come loose.Here are some cranks I were considering, XTRs, XTs, Kooka, Cooks, etc. and everyone made moans, groans and flexed every which way. I also calculated the total cost to purchase the cranks and BB versus the performance I expected to get out of the cranks. The Wings were the ultimate choice and winner.I read about some of the other reviews about how they are having trouble with their Wings. I say to them, do you leave your ride hanging with the trail mud or water from the stream you rode through after a epic ride? I don't thing so, you would be tearing you bike down and doing some maintenance on it. If you maintain your bike, your bike will take care of you.Right now I am looking at a new FS ride (Titus' Racer-X is in the running) and I cannot wait to install these cranks on them.CLEAN TIP: Instead of using Sweet's dust covers? (if you hot glue a magnet on the other side it will make a good fridge door note holder) On the ends of the BB tubing, cut a piece of inner tubing (approx 3 - 4 inches), roll it up and insert it into the tube. Make sure you don't insert it too far in. This will keep the most of the water/mud/dust from entering the location of the bolt and vent holes for the welding of the cranks. Just use a needle nose piler to pull the tubing out when you plan to maintain the Wings.As for the overall rating I would like to say they THESE WINGS DOES KICK SERIOUS ASS!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pierre
a weekend warrior
from France
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Sweet needs to find a way to hermetically (or at least environmentally) seal their cranks. I have an XTR on my Pro-Flex; they are so reliable they bore me to tears; yet like a reliable mistress, they work day and night with nary a wimper. I'm tired of paying premium $ for a ride that requires so much up-keep!
Gimmie a product that can cook a good meal, launder my clothes, and still be ready for a good ride come Sunday morning, and I will be eternally grateful!Pierre | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alvin
a cross-country rider
from Jakarta, Indonesia
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have 2 sweet cranks as well as an XTR. I am biased towards Sweet's simple design wich resulted in incredible stiffness, light weight and awesome design. I just love the way it looks. However they do possee some serious quality issues. The bearings don't lasts and the mating ports do not fit perfectly, thus having some play. One time I had to send a pair back due to misalignment of the spider. Simply put, I just wish sweet wings would license shimano for building and developing this product. The XTR works perfectly. It just feels perfectly stable and extremely durable. A little heavier, but not really for a standard sized crank and you can't tell this at all when riding. The weight is still within striking distance to a sweet crank built up with standard sized rings. Price is not an object for me, so now, I've switched to Morati titanium cranks and a conventional bottom bracket. Its lighter, smoother, just as stiff and much more durable than the wings. It also looks nice and you won't have to worry about rusts. For those who can't afford this, I would strongly suggest to sticking with XTR until you can. You'll be hapier with it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Shapiro
a racer
from Frederick,MD
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Sweetwings are the sweetest cranks available today for their stiffness,strength,lightweight,craftsmanship,& looks. They are pricey but not too bad when you factor in a bottom bracket and crankset prices. They are the pits at keeping wet,dirt,mud etc. out of the cartridge bearings. The bearings sit very far outboard which is good for stiffness but there are no extra seals to stop the grit. Ive replaced my bearings once already after two years of hard training and racing in muddy conditions. the replacements were 65 dollars and it spins sweet once again. Overall I highly recommend the puppies and would buy a set all over again if I build up another frame.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Pinkert
a weekend warrior
from Norwalk, CT
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Kudos to Sweetwings for an innovative design: super light, super stiff. However, the play in the bottom bracket is cause for worry, the creaking is annoying, and I've broken at least a dozen chainring bolts in six months. It appears that Sweetwings has some more work to do before I can wholeheartedly recommend. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J.D. Hill
a cross-country rider
from Memphis, TN
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have heard nothing but good things about these cranks. Does anyone out there want to sell their Sweet Wings? Ti or steel, I do not care. What about the weight on the Ti set? Does anyone know? Reach me at rowanoak@webtv.net But do it quick, I am eager to buy and have little patience, and that comes from living here in Memphis where everything for sale is outdated. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOE MAN
a weekend warrior
from REDWOOD CITY,CA,USA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
THESE CRANKS ROCK!!!! STIFFEST OUT THERE PERIOD!!! I USED TO HAVE A PAIR OF RACE FACE WHICH I PUT ON PRIOR TO SWEETS WHICH WERE REALLY STIFF
AND FAIRLY LIGHT (WOULD GIVE RACE RACE 5 STARS) AND WAS BUMMED AT HAVING TO TAKE THEM OFF AND TRY THE SWEETS, COULDN'T IMAGINE ANYTHING STIFFER BUT
THEY ARE. IT'S LIKE DIRECT DRIVE WHICH REALLY COMES INTO PLAY ON THE UPHILLS FOR EFFICIENCY. HOWEVER THEY DO BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF YOU WHEN GOING DOWN ROCKY
DOWNHILL SECTIONS (WHEN FLEX CAN BE GOOD!!) OVERALL AN ACCEPTABLE TRADE OFF THOUGH. I HAVE A STEEL FRAME AND THEY WORK JUST FINE W/O ANY CREAKING OR LOOSENING (AFTER USING SUPPLIED
LOCKTITE OF COURSE). TRUE, THERE IS PLAY, BUT NOTHING'S PERFECT AND IT REALLY IS NOT THAT NOTICABLE WHEN PEDALLING. TALKED TO SHOP PERSON AND FOUND OUT THAT DEPENDING ON FRAME MATERIAL,
THE MORE MALEABLE IT IS THE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEM. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MOD
a racer
from California
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great crank in design, super stiff, ankle friendly, super light and unique look. Not so great in function, Bottom Bracket wears out quickly and spindle can spin inside the bearing race if not loctited. Have had some problems with keeping them tight but loctite usually fixes that. If you have a FS, pivot rebuilds are not as easy because you can't just slip off the crank arm. I give them a 5 for design but only a 3 for function, so give me 4 chiles on the side please. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay Aronow
a weekend warrior
from Oxnard,CA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The best!!!!! I've got them on my Santana tandem and they work better than any crank I have used and are virtually trouble free.. they're not just for dirt balls any more.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale Quarton
a cross-country rider
from Orange, CA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned sweet wings for two years now and have not had to touch them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale Quarton
a cross-country rider
from Orange, CA
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned sweet wings for two years now and have not had to touch them. If you want to be like everyone else, and deal with lock rings and special tools, then get XTR. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Muddy Architect
a racer
from Billings, MT
Date Reviewed: November 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I believe I am about ready to purchase these steel Sweet Wings cranks. Reason being: I did some research which I would like to share with all those interested.As we all know, XTR cranks are somewhat of the industry standard (can you say Shimano Gestapo). So, having LX cranks right now (light but heavy), I wanted to compare cost vs. weight saved from my current situation. These values can be used to compare other cranks as well. The prices and wights were obtained from Cambria Bicycles mail order as published at the end of October. No items were on sale. These are listed in order of weight, which in most cases (except for the rip-offs) related inversely to price:Sweet Wings (crank & b.b.): 437 g / $419 (same $ per gram saved as XTR)
Kooka Bonnie - Ti(crank & b.b.): 557 g / $314 (same $ per gram saved as XTR)
Syncros Revolution(?) - Ti (crank & b.b.): 634 g / $458 (biggest rip-off)
Race Face Turbine LP - Ti (crank & b.b.): 645 g / $278 (+$ per gram saved)
Cook Bros. E - Ti (crank & b.b.): 648 g / $324 (second biggest rip-off)
Shimano XTR (crank & b.b.): 671 g / $250 (good price)So, for a Joe going from LX to Sweet Wings, you'd spend alot but save alot of weight (344 g - 3/4 lb.). Going from LX to Kooka, you'd spend less but save less weight (208 g - 1/2 lb.). Going from LX to XTR you'd spend the least but save the least weight (166 g - (-)1/2 lb.). I didn't compare the others, because for what you spend, you don't get a very good return for weight savings. Warranties vary. Sweet wings has the least warranty period (1 year), Kookas are lifetime and Shimano's are in-between. Sweet Wings are the least because they rust, which is greatly impacted by your riding style. Their finish should protect against this as much as possible (why not make aluminum Sweet Wings, eh?). The other cranks don't matter because their too much of a rip-off. Performance? When you get into the price ranges mentioned above, the average humanoid can't discerene a difference (unless your Data on Star Trek or weigh 250 lbs.) Sweet Wings has fixed all the problems mentioned below for their '98 model year (as per the guy on the phone, 11/14/98) AND they will be compatible with Shimano XTR rings - THAT'S THE CLINCHER. Colors? Who cares about powder coated yellow? If you fall for this, your the same kind of person who wears water-soluble spandex to the races with river crossings.I'd give them 5 stars if they had a better warranty and a finish that didn't rust.HAVE I WRITTEN ENOUGH YET??? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a racer
from Greensburg, PA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I recieved these cranks on a brand new custom bike in Feb. 97. Let me tell you some thing, THESE CRANKS SUCK!!!!!. I don't know why all of these people are giving them great reviews. They were great at first, but in two weeks they were squeaking and had developed a lot of play. I got them repaired and sure enough two weeks later the squeaks and creaks were back again. To make matters worse the play led to chainsuck. Now when your chain strips the paint of a $1,250 frame it hurts. I gave up on sweet wings and bought some XTR cranks, and guess what, the drive train has never been smoother. Nothing works better than XTR. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Basil
a cross-country rider
from San Diego, California
Date Reviewed: November 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Overall, I give the SweetWings a GREAT review. Being unwilling to put my 215 lbs on the scary/flexy aftermarket cranks (like Cook Bros. or TopLine or Kooka), I was psyched to find the SweetWings when they first came out, and I haven't been sorry. The cranks are stiff, so much so that I developed some flex in the bottom bracket of my Manitou HT that had previously been absorbed by my '92 XTR cranks' flex, and the bearings have been good so far. Installation was very easy, and it's great to be able to maintain the bottom bracket so simply. Less Filling, Tastes Great!! Five Stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philippe Frenette
a racer
from Moncton, NB, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I was one of the brave souls who ventured out and put his life on the line with a new company. Lets say you're in a race and the thing snaps you're in for it bud, if you can scrap yourself of the rocks consider yourself lucky. That said I glad to say that this didn't happen to me, the crank is the lightest thing I have ever seen, The bearings stay smooth in the worst of conditions. As for the play, it's true the crank does play but you don't feel it when you are riding, all you feel is stiff responsiveness. And the people who complain about the price, I got mine for 389.00 US and that is pretty good when you compare it to another aftermarket crank that cost 230.00 and a trick bottom bracket that you have to change in a year because you broke the ti axle for 120.00 you end up paying about the same price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Svenne
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Kick butts!!! these cranks rules.
They´re light and stiff as hell, to bad that they´re so overpriced. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve No Hands Superman
a weekend warrior
from Los Angeles, Ca.
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Kent, These cranks ROCK!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Matthews
a racer
from Golden, Co
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These cranks are light and stiff. However, they creak like a rusty hinge. I installed them
according to the directions and have not had trouble with loosening. Ijust can't figure out
where all of the noise is coming from. Also, where the spindle attaches the bearing appears
to wear quickly. Too expensive for what you get | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael W. Barnes
a racer
from Lawton, OK
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I can not get the sweet ring cranks to work correctly on my new cadd3 frame. Has this been a problem with other users. please reply. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Munny
a cross-country rider
from Corvallis, OR
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't mind paying $360 for the stiffest crank I've ever used, if fact when you consider that it only weighs 530gm, I think I got a deal. I've already got my Ti Wings on order (if you want my steel Wings Email me) to match my Bow-Ti. The finish is very hard and I still have not scratched it after 10 months. I've never had my 8mm bolt come loose, I just tighten it by hand every time I install it after working on my bike. They're so stiff the bottoms of your feet hurt after a long ride, these are the perfect cranks for heavy dual suspension bikes. The company has made great improvements in their quality. I would rather have a broken Sweet than a shimano. Did I mention that I've never hit my ankle on the crank arm. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rian Mullins
a weekend warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I wanted to get some Ti wings, but I don't think I would trust anything from a company that's not competent enough to get a web page out by now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rian Mullins
a weekend warrior
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I wanted to get some Ti wings, but I don't think I would trust anything from a company that's not competent enough to get a web page out by now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Crash
a cross-country rider
from Mass
Date Reviewed: March 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Buy a Race Face LP with a Race Face BB it will cost about $300 and ways about 50g more. Better Deal | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill Gray
a weekend warrior
from Phoenix, AZ
Date Reviewed: March 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Sweet Wings cranks are the lightest and stiffest crank/BB combo on the market and some of the easiest to remove and service. I have had my set for over a year now and have no complaints. The only problem I have had was a crack that developed on my non-drive side crank arm, starting at the BB weld and going down the crank. Sweet Parts covered it under warranty without a hassle. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Baer
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: March 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my sweet crank. I've been riding it for about a year. Last year I went
to Moab and rode a 5-day ride with Rim Tours (the best in Moab) and rode it
hard enough to strip all my cheap chainring bolts (buy only steel) and wheeled
into camp on my crippled bike with my indamaged crank in my bag. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Missy Mills
a
from racer
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
When I installed the Sweet Wings, I could not believe how easy it was. I can't wait to overhaul my bike. The Sweet Wings will make cleaning the bottom bracket area so much easier. Riding the Sweet Wings was like having #$% for the first time. The arms are so stiff! I believe that the cranks will take valuble seconds off of my time trial efforts. They also look really cool. All of the guys on my club ride ask me about them. That really helps get me the attention I want. See you on the road!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Flores
a
from racer
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
These are the best cranks I have ever ridden. When you step on the crank you can really feel all of your energy being trasferred into the drive train. A truly inspired design. I may be just imagining things but I feel like I can use one gear higher in the mountains compared to some flimsy CNC'd crankset. Way stiff, way light, way durable and way cool. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Barber
a cross-country rider
from Sunnyvale, CA.
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had no major problems with these crank arms. During an installation I
accidentally pushed a bearing out of the cup, my fault. I called Sweet Industries
and they sent out a replacement bearing cup assembly for free. I have never had
the crank arms come loose on me, but the chainring bolts holding the chainrings to
the Ring Wrangler (an aluminum adapter between the large and middle chainring and
the crank spider) came loose once. A little loctite fixed this problem. As far as
the price goes ($399 mail order), it's comparably priced with a trick crank arm/bottom
bracket combination, and still lighter and stiffer! I recommend getting a torque wrench
for the installation. The spindle bolt needs to be tightened to 50 ft.lbs. This may be
the problem with some of the spindle bolts coming loose. The ease of installation, light
weight and stiffness make this a great choice.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James L
a racer
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: December 5, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
These are ugly, expensive for what you get and difficult to assemble ... Go with Cook Bros or XTR
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick deleyos
a cross-country rider
from Lanham, MD
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had mine for over a year and they were constantly coming loose on every ride. I had to put a lot of loctite to prevent it from coming loose, but i haven't had any problems for the last 8 months. Now, because I had to put so much loctite on, it is a lot harder to remove the cranks for bearing maintenance. Also water gets into the bottom bracket shell really easily. Not good for my cromoly frame! But hey, it's light , stiff, and looks cool! ;^)
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Wright
a racer
from pittsburgh PA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I never had a componet on my bike that broke so much! The cranks were never on my bike longer than a month.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen Han
a cross-country rider
from Redmond, WA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Very very sweeeeet, the name don't lie. Coolest looking crank around, nice champagne color goes will with any Ti or polished aluminum frame. FYI: this crank is intergraded with a BB, this is also why it's THE lightest crank/BB combo. The BB bearings are part of the BB bearing cup, this design allow the bearings to be oversized for more punishment. One hint: when installing put some medium strength Loctie between axle and BB surface.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don Seib
a racer
from Melrose, MA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased Sweet Wings this spring because I was building a full
suspension
ride and needed to shave some weight off. My friends gave me grief for
playing guinee pig with another new product, but this one has paid off. The
cranks are as stiff as old XT and have been rock solid so far. After about
two weeks they came loose but a little blue lock tite and they have stayed
very tight. Installation is a breeze with just a 8 mm hex bolt holding the
cups and cranks in place. The Q factor is a little wider than most, but with
moutain biking Q factor I don't believe has that much importance. The only
drawback is that they are steel and when they get scratched they show rust.
But for 520 grams for cranks and BB you can't go wrong. I'd give them five
stars but the're too expensive.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karius Baktussen
a cross-country rider
from Ytre Arnoy, Norway
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
For 450 bucks, you get a light and stiff crankset, but the Q-factor is way too wide, and there is play in the bearings, especially on the non drive side. This is caused by the fact that the spindle is not perfectly round.
Conclusion: The price is far too high for the quality you get.
| | Overall Rating: |
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