New Crank

[dschela17]

I'm getting a new crank and I can't decide between an FSA SL-K Light or a Shimano Ultegra SL. Any thoughts or experience with either would be a great help!

[bkboom123]

ultegra sl shifts very well and smooth due to the tooth design. My only complaint was the weight......if you search around you can find lighter cranks for about the same price that operate just as well. :beer:

[avalonracing]

Shimano is always bomb-proof and works great. Nevertheless, I just picked up an SLK Light but I haven't put it on yet.

[acorn_user]

What kind of price are you looking at? You might be able to get a good price on the Fulcrum carbon road cranks if those interest you.

[dschela17]

Probably not more than $300.

[dschela17]

Also, if I were to get the Fulcrum Torq RS what bottom bracket would you recommend?

[acorn_user]

I think the Torque R would be closer to your budget. I mentioned it because QBP is running an offer on it, so your LBS might be able to get to around $300. If not, aebike has them for under $300.
http://aebike.com/page.cfm?PageID=30&action=details&sku=CR3035
Just use the Campagnolo Record BB.

n.b. I've not used any of these cranks - I only have square taper cranks right now.

[ThirtyEast]

I'll second the suggestion about the Fulcrum Racing Torq R crank. I've been using one for the last season in all conditions and it's great.

[primeDefective]

Well, I can't speak to either one as I'm in the process of building up my first Serotta and wanted to pass on some info. I wanted Ultegra SL group for my bike, however, I had an incredibly hard time finding an Ultegra SL compact 172.5 crank since Shimano is in the process of releasing a new series. If this is what you end up wanting, the place I finally found mine had one more left. It was a little more than 300 though but I had already found all the other components and the person didn't have the crank so I needed it.

[majl]

If compact is what you're looking for, Shimano R700 cranks are back in stock at backcountryoutlet.com at a nice price. Not much bling factor, but a solid crank that performs really well.

http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/SHI0140/Shimano-America-FC-R700-Hollowtech-II-Compact-Crankset.html

[RaleighComp]

On the bike I just built I went with a 175mm Ultegra SL Compact 34/50 crankset, everything else is 2009 SRAM Rival and they play great together. I put a lot of creedence in Dan Haden's review (http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Ultegra-FC-6650-G-Hollowtech-Crankset-175-No-Colr/dp/B0011ZK7P6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1245799513&sr=1-2) on Amazon:

"This is quite likable. Its easier to spin, its strong, and it doesn't weigh much. Unlike the SRAM, the Ultra bottom bracket doesn't drag at all. It spins easily, and that's important for those long rides.
There is MUCH less flex than octalink.
It also does tricks! This isn't just ONE crankset. . .
You can pop an FSA 38t ring right into place for a mini-double with super fast shifts (be sure to align shift gate by viewing a spare chain laid out across it). Or, you can use a SRAM 50(the one that's gated for 36) along with an FSA 36 to make a cyclocross 36-50 (be sure to align for shift gate) that's also fast for road use. That's very fast.
I wish that Shimano made a stock 36-50; however, its easily done--just plug-n-play.
This crankset can also be used on 8x and 9x bikes because there are accessory alloy spacer washers available to allow using the thicker chain (like the super strong Dura Ace 9 for your cyclocross or tourbike).
In stock condition, it shifts very well, but the SRAM 10x chain actually shifts faster than Shimano 10x chain on any compact double, and this one is no exception.
As for the lightest and most useful crankset available, the Ultegra SL does it all.
It shifts fast, and it does NOT drag. "

FYI, I went with this crank, but opted for a Chris King bottom bracket.

[duke]

FSA stuff is pretty much junk. Go with the Shimano.
Of course that is just my opinion.
duke

[rdparadise]

Duke,

+1 on the FSA stuff. Low end quality carbon IMO.

On second thought, I still don't get the reason why people want the compact crank ATMO? I'm a tradionilist and I like the 39/53 regular crank myself.

I switched from the japenese stuff to Campy Chorus and haven't looked back. Wow, what a beautiful group and very functional too.

Bob

[dschela17]

I ended up getting a Fulcrum Torq RS with the cups on ebay for $285. Thanks for all the input.

[SoCalSteve]

1000's upon 1000's of miles on FSA carbon compact cranks (on a few different bikes) with nary a problem.

Just sayin'

Steve