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Conference noted::bicycle

Title: Bicycling
Notice:Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:JAMIN::WASSER
Created:Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3214
Total number of notes:31946

2849.0. "Bullseye vs CNC Crank Ad" by AIMHI::LARSON () Wed Sep 14 1994 16:16

    I am about to upgrade my '90 Shimano XT cranks.  I was about to order
    a pair of Topline MTB's when I read an advertisement from Bullseye
    (Velonews, Aug. 29, 1994, page 89).   It claims, 
    
    " Bullseye tubular...are a mind boggling 400% more efficient than CNC 
    milled cranks."
    
    and,
    
    "we measured the flex by applying a 600 lb load under the bottom
    bracket..."
    
    
    I saw a lot of Topline cranks at Mt Snow National and also at the Mt
    Washington Hillclimb (that never happened).  I am sure they are plenty
    strong enough...but is there much value in what Bullseye claims?  Why
    choose 600 lbs?  Are agressive riders able to provide that kind of
    force?  Is all this means is that Bullseye cranks are 400% overbuilt?
    
    I know a few riders that use Bullseye and like them alot...except that
    they all complain about the creaking noise they make.  I found a great
    price on the Toplines so they are extra attractive.
    
    See ya out there,
    Mike
    
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2849.1WMOIS::GIROUARD_CWed Sep 14 1994 16:217
    If the 600lbs. reference is force, that's nothing. I was tested
    2 years ago and came in at 655lbs.It was the second highest out of 
    the FCC group tested. Believe me, none of us are "monster-torquers".
    
    The Stratics are neat (pricey - but neat). 
    
     Chip
2849.2WMOIS::GIROUARD_CWed Sep 14 1994 16:224
    <- Just an example... You can put 600lbs. of pressure on your feet
       just by running up stairs.
    
       Chip
2849.3More $ doesn't mean BestUSCTR1::VINCENTWed Sep 14 1994 16:3612
    I'm running Toplines on my road bike - no problems at all and a lot
    lighter than the DA's I took off.  They are 180cm long, so I
    suspect they are taking a lot of stress (even though I'm no monster
    masher).  "400% more efficient"....more efficient what? More efficient to 
    manufacture? To pedal????  Sounds like a classic example of "component
    marketing hype"...ya gotta watch these guys!  
    
    Example - Kooka makes some really light weight, trick looking cranks.  
    The marketing hype would have you thinking they are the logical choice
    for a replacement crank....I know 3 people that have them and they
    all agree - JUNK!  
    
2849.4STOWOA::SWFULLERWed Sep 14 1994 17:039
    Why are you replacing your XT's?  Hyperglide C compatibility, lighter
    weight, want to buy US??? 
    
    I put Topline on our tandem (as original equipment), I think it
    saved about 3/4 lb.  Nice stuff.   If you can get it for a good price
    go for it.  Just note, hyperglide chainrings aren't cheap and I haven't
    even seen them advertised in the cheapo mail order places.  
    
    steve
2849.5my voteDOGONE::WOODBURYWed Sep 14 1994 17:2915
    I bought Bullseye cranks for my Fat Chance (about 5 years ago...)
    along with the other 5 friends - we went directly to Chris Chance.
    Anyway, within 3 months *every* one of us had swapped to something
    else.  The bearings Bullseye used were disintigrating and the
    retainer clips didn't hold up at all.  I called Bullseye and they
    offered to send out new pieces but didn't really give me the
    impression that they were worried about a design flaw.  I just 
    didn't want to get stranded in the woods again.  
    
    Hopefully, they've done modifications since that time (they *are*
    still in business!).  If you'd like my cranks (they are 180mm),
    make me an offer - they are just collecting dust in the basement.
    And there's another note in here with their phone number...
    
    mark
2849.6weight savings and Ti SpindleAIMHI::LARSONThu Sep 15 1994 19:0816
    I found the Topline MTB's for $168 at a mail order house.  I don't
    believe I will find a better value.  I hope to lose 200g (1/2 pound)
     by replacing my 4 year old XT's (650g ?) with better designed cranks.  
    
    Is there really that much of a weight savings by replacing my cranks?
    I have seen XT's listed at 730g.  I don't know how much of that weight
    is the chainrings.  
    
    Also,  I am going with a Cro-mo spindle (std XT) for now.  I want Ti
    but can't afford it right now.  I have heard of problems with Ti
    spindle's and aluminum crank arms.  Are they warranted concerns?  Can
    they be used together with and still be durable?  And, I weight 175-180
    and I am not always the smoothest on the rough downhills.  Am I too
    heavy for Ti BB spindle.  The last thing I want is to be flying down
    a nasty jeep trail and have my leg gashed open by a broken BB spindle.
    
2849.7ODIXIE::CIAROCHIOne Less DogFri Sep 16 1994 02:582
    Hmmm, been wondering what was making that creaking noise...been driving
    me crazy for six months.