The VO Compact Double cranks are here. But they are not as we specified. You may remember that we made a prototype that was chrome plated aluminum alloy. While it looked great and performed perfectly, most folks preferred a polished alloy finish, as on the triple and polyvalent cranks. Unfortunately, the change in specifications did not reach the factory and we have a shipment of chrome plated doubles.
We've decided to sell these at a big discount. The price was to be $115, but this batch is $65 while they last.
The factory still has many more chrome plated VO crank arms. Those will be assembled with polished alloy rings and priced normally. This winter we will have regular polished arms and rings. Again, we don't know of any problems or issues with the chrome cranks, they are simply not what we wanted. And they do look pretty cool.
Update: All sizes sold out.
Those are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteGreat deal, but the store doesn't list what length is being sold or available.
ReplyDeleteThe lengths have been added. 165mm, 170mm, and 175mm are available.
ReplyDeleteCan the chrome wear off at the teeth and allow the rings to rust?
ReplyDeleteBoth the rings and the arms are aluminum alloy, so they can't rust.
ReplyDeleteSo is the finish on the polished Al just more durable compared to the plated?
ReplyDeleteI guess I am just wondering what major disadvantage the plated cranks have on the polished that warrants such a discounted price.
At the $65 price point, these things could have no finish and still seem to be a great value.
Rust...no. Oxidize, yes. and they'll look a bit ratty anywhere that the chrome peels off.
ReplyDeleteOf course, that's true of any chromed metal....it's just that chroming is rarely used anywhere that there will be metal-on-metal contact...especially the kind of rough metal-on-metal contact that happens where a chain meets a chainring.
Allan Pollock
Chrome is a more durable and expensive finish. That's why it's used in the bores and bearing of some high performance petrol engines. It's also used on some cassette and freewheel cogs. It is so hard that it ruins drill bits and files when you modify chrome parts.
ReplyDeleteThe low price of these cranks does not reflect any lower quality or lower durability. I simply wanted to blow out stuff that's not in our long term plans and do something nice for our customers. VO has never been about "maximizing profit".
ReplyDeleteIf, a few years down the road, you want to replace the rings, you'll still probably be ahead on price.
175mm cranks sold out already?
ReplyDeletethey sure are shiney.
ReplyDeleteive never heard of chroming alumnum. i thought only steal could be chromed.
thx superfreak
Wow, what a bargain. Just ordered a set of 170mm's. Next job is to find a frame to put then on. Another project begins!!!
ReplyDeleteDo these have 74bcd mounts to convert to a triple?
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
ReplyDeleteThe triple crankset presents one with somewhat of a dilema. It's too beautiful to put on a bicycle.
Best regards
are these drilled for triple?
ReplyDeleteThey are not drilled for a triple, but that's a good idea and we'll look into it.
ReplyDeleteSo, when do the 110BCD Grand Cru cranks come out?
ReplyDeleteAnd call me a heretic, but I want 172.5mm. Lots of ppl use that length, actually.
I just placed my order. Thanks for the great price, VO is the best.
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteI'd like to buy two sets of 165s but can't find them on the website. Are they sold out now too?
Carl
All are sold out.
ReplyDeleteBTW, if our cranks continue to sell well we will consider making other sizes, maybe even those silly 172.5mm. ;<)