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Other Resources => Component Deals & Selection => Topic started by: Linsook on October 25, 2023, 12:02:36 PM

Title: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: Linsook on October 25, 2023, 12:02:36 PM
After ~3000km, they've decided to die.  I've not been particularly gentle or rough on them, used them like I would any crankset - rain or shine, road or gravel.  I was on my trainer with them just starting my session and it gave way at 350 watts, something like that. 
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: hagerd on October 25, 2023, 12:14:18 PM
Yikes, first failure I've seen of this crank. Its a shame because its one of the only 29mm spindle cranksets on aliexpress that's reasonably lightweight.

edit: looks like a similar failure linked here: https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/comments/16p795v/dont_buy_zrace_rx_cranks_i_guess/
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: Linsook on October 25, 2023, 12:29:36 PM
Yikes, first failure I've seen of this crank. Its a shame because its one of the only 29mm spindle cranksets on aliexpress that's reasonably lightweight.

edit: looks like a similar failure linked here: https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/comments/16p795v/dont_buy_zrace_rx_cranks_i_guess/

Thanks for the link.  Ya looks and sounds exactly the same, I was out of my saddle as well.

Just bought some sencix FM2's.  Hoping they do better.
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: electrolux on October 25, 2023, 12:57:43 PM
Well I guess its as good as Shimano then  ::)
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: jonathanf2 on October 25, 2023, 01:52:50 PM
Yikes that looks scary. Glad it didn't happen on an actual ride!
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: Wet Noodle on October 25, 2023, 01:56:09 PM
Looks nasty, like it could have really hurt. Now I'm kind of worried for my Rotors with their anorexic pedal eyelets and spindle interface and all the crazy drilling ("Stress risers? There is no such thing, silly!").
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: 00Garza on October 25, 2023, 02:04:54 PM
That could've caused a major wipeout on the road/trail.
Is this more likely to be a design flaw, or low quality alloy issue?
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: Linsook on October 25, 2023, 02:30:12 PM
That could've caused a major wipeout on the road/trail.
Is this more likely to be a design flaw, or low quality alloy issue?

Need an expert to chime in.

Some closeups.
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: raisinberry777 on October 25, 2023, 02:48:16 PM
Thanks for the report - I had looked at buying some recently because the price of buying one with a Magene P505 was cheaper than the Magene PM by itself - dodged that one!
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: AzureEssence on October 25, 2023, 02:55:49 PM
Any chance the pedal extenders increased the leverage on the crank arm, contributing to the break?
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: BalticSea on October 25, 2023, 03:15:50 PM
Yikes, first failure I've seen of this crank. Its a shame because its one of the only 29mm spindle cranksets on aliexpress that's reasonably lightweight.

edit: looks like a similar failure linked here: https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycling/comments/16p795v/dont_buy_zrace_rx_cranks_i_guess/
Fovno Aurora Pro is even lighter, but also more expensive at around 120 euros. Should be receiving mine soon.
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: Sebastian on October 25, 2023, 03:19:27 PM
Bought one of these slightly used for almost nothing. Now I’m hesitant to put it on my bike. And I put another one of these on a friends bike. He bought it together with his LTWOO RX12 groupset. It’s holding up fine so far. We’re both not exactly world tour sprinters. So maybe that helps.
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: hagerd on October 25, 2023, 03:48:01 PM
Any chance the pedal extenders increased the leverage on the crank arm, contributing to the break?

I would say yes, a larger moment is being exerted on the connection point because of this.
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: St0mpB0x on October 25, 2023, 05:34:21 PM
Need an expert to chime in.

Some closeups.

I wouldn't go as far as expert but I have a little bit of knowledge of this kind of things. If you could get some good close up photos of the two faces if you can get them apart that might be helpful. Make sure to indicate which side is the pedal side.
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: St0mpB0x on October 25, 2023, 06:08:35 PM
Also, Driveside or Non-Driveside?

From what I can make out from the pictures the failure surfaces look quite interesting. The third picture looks like it shows some microvoid coalesence which is indicative of ductile failure so was likely to be the final section to fail. The first picture looks like there are some beach marks visible which typically point to fatigue. The holes through the centre of the crankset are interesting though as they seem to show a different fracture surface again. No idea whether thats because its actually a different material or whether the drilling process effectively heat treated or modified the material around the holes.
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: Linsook on October 25, 2023, 09:43:58 PM
I wouldn't go as far as expert but I have a little bit of knowledge of this kind of things. If you could get some good close up photos of the two faces if you can get them apart that might be helpful. Make sure to indicate which side is the pedal side.

Non-drive side.  Had to grab a monkey wrench to bend the piece off- you can see where I just broke it off.  Aluminum shavings probably from me trying to get pedal off - pedal extender threads are perfectly fine. 

Before anybody says it first- it's time to cut my nails.   ;D
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: TidyDinosaur on October 26, 2023, 02:07:12 AM
I would say yes, a larger moment is being exerted on the connection point because of this.

When I was looking up info about putting shims between my pedal and crank it looked like the consensus is that 3mm of shims is OK. This one shim should not ne a problem. The difference of wattage between different people will be a far greater variable than this shim...
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: electrolux on October 26, 2023, 03:07:18 AM
I've just noticed the 20mm extensions, wonder what effect that would have?
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: Linsook on October 26, 2023, 06:29:04 AM
Ya, maybe my extenders taken it beyond the tolerances it was built for.

Chatgpt:

User
How much additional stress is caused to crank arms by using pedal extenders?

ChatGPT
Using pedal extenders can introduce some additional stress to crank arms compared to using standard pedals. This stress is primarily due to the increased leverage created by the extended distance between the pedal and the crank arm. The amount of stress can vary depending on several factors:

Extender Length: The longer the pedal extender, the greater the additional stress on the crank arms.

Rider's Weight and Power: Heavier riders or those who apply significant power while pedaling may put more stress on the crank arms.

Crank Arm Material and Design: The material and design of the crank arms play a significant role in their ability to withstand stress. High-quality, durable materials and designs are better equipped to handle the additional stress.

Proper Installation: Ensuring that the pedal extenders are correctly installed is crucial. Improper installation can exacerbate stress on the crank arms.

It's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines when using pedal extenders and to periodically check for wear and stress on both the extenders and the crank arms. If you have concerns about potential damage or wear, it's advisable to consult a professional bike mechanic for an assessment.
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: TidyDinosaur on October 26, 2023, 06:38:05 AM
I've just noticed the 20mm extensions, wonder what effect that would have?

OK, I did not see those  ???
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: AzureEssence on October 26, 2023, 09:47:52 AM
Re: pedal extenders

I tried using some from AliX and they broke on my MTB, and JUST after I finished a hectic descent. Could've caused a massive crash. Although I love the wider Q being a tall dude, I will never run them again on any bike. I just wish companies would introduce cranks with variable Q-factor.
Title: Re: ZRace RX crankset - broken
Post by: Pedaldancer on October 30, 2023, 07:12:03 PM
On the first photo on the right side of the crank the surfaces do show lines that look like characteristic fatigue lines.
If the pattern is not something from the alloy manufacturing process, that's probably the hint you wanted. The orientation of the lines and the torque from the pedal are in agreement.

Are these lines also on the left side (on photo 1)? To me this surface looks very rough not showing lines. This would give at least a complete story.. fatigue lines until the remaining material  can't resist any longer and then sudden breakage.