Cruz carbon crankset with 24mm ti axle

[jonathanf2]

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256810114539899.html

I recently received my Cruz carbon crankset with 24mm titanium axle. It comes in either 3 or 8 bolt direct mount and either in 165mm or 170mm crank arm length. I picked the 3 bolt 165mm version so I can use my 3 bolt Magene spider power meter.

Here's my quick first impressions (which I posted in another thread):

I installed it last night. It required 2x 1mm spacers which I placed on each side to properly tighten the crankset on my BB86 frameset. Spacing may differ depending your bottom bracket shell. I also used a 3 bolt adjustment spacer to create clearance between my drive side crank arm and my LTwoo eR9 FD. Without it, the drive side crank arm would rub against the FD. I probably could have put 2mm spacers or more on the drive side axle, but I don't like messing with the chain line too much. The ER9 FD has a narrow adjustment window of optimal performance. If I push my chain line outboard too much, front shifting is compromised.

I did run into an issue with the drive side pedal thread being too tight. I was able to get the pedal on with ample grease, but it probably needs a proper re-tap. For now I'll leave it as-is.

I've attached a few photos of the crankset and how it looks on my bike. Advertised weight was 320g for 165mm, mine came out just a little over 309g. I think they look good. I'm a bit bias towards glossy carbon fiber! 

[Gianpy]

Hi, I'm keeping an eye on them too, but the photos on Ali weren't great; yours give a better idea of ​​the build.
I also notice that it requires a dub extractor cap, which isn't visible on the Ali insertion.

Anso, can you measure the Q-factor?

Thanks.

[offspring_fan]

I also notice that it requires a dub extractor cap, which isn't visible on the Ali insertion.

Interesting... does this perhaps mean you can replace the alu hardware on these with an aftermarket SRAM DUB one?

Something that's put me off these cranks to date (as a diehard Shimano crank user) is the chance of the alu bolts shearing/getting knackered after a few BB changes.

[jonathanf2]

Interesting... does this perhaps mean you can replace the alu hardware on these with an aftermarket SRAM DUB one?

Something that's put me off these cranks to date (as a diehard Shimano crank user) is the chance of the alu bolts shearing/getting knackered after a few BB changes.

I have an extraction tool and I already have a few replacement screws just in case. I'm not fond of the alu hardware either. I had to make a few adjustments removing the BB to get the cranks to fit properly. Each time I removed the arm, I was checking the screw.

[jonathanf2]

Hi, I'm keeping an eye on them too, but the photos on Ali weren't great; yours give a better idea of ​​the build.
I also notice that it requires a dub extractor cap, which isn't visible on the Ali insertion.

Anso, can you measure the Q-factor?

Thanks.

I think the 8 and 3 bolt crank arms use different caps. The photos on the listing was the 8 bolt version.  I'll measure the q-factor when I get a chance. I think it's a bit shorter than my 170mm Riro cranks I was using, because I didn't have clearance issues with the FD on that crankset.

[benquick]

I ordered the same crankset with 3-bolt system, but I am confused about why I need the dub extractor tool. Most online tutorial videos only require an 8mm hex tool for installation. What is the purpose of it?

[jonathanf2]

I ordered the same crankset with 3-bolt system, but I am confused about why I need the dub extractor tool. Most online tutorial videos only require an 8mm hex tool for installation. What is the purpose of it?

If you constantly remove the crankset, there's a chance you can shear the aluminum screw. Hence they sell plenty of replacement caps and screw if you find yourself in that predicament. 

[benquick]

If you constantly remove the crankset, there's a chance you can shear the aluminum screw. Hence they sell plenty of replacement caps and screw if you find yourself in that predicament. 

Ok, cool, I am happy I don't need it just to install the crank, as the it will arrive early next week. Otherwise, I would have to wait to install it for another two weeks until the dub extractor tool arrives.

[Ultramic]

I ordered the same crankset with 3-bolt system, but I am confused about why I need the dub extractor tool. Most online tutorial videos only require an 8mm hex tool for installation. What is the purpose of it?

Do you mind take a couple of measurements without the spider attached. Firstly, the spindle length with the arms attached and torqued down. And the factor in the same position. Cheers.

[Da11as]

Interesting... does this perhaps mean you can replace the alu hardware on these with an aftermarket SRAM DUB one?

Something that's put me off these cranks to date (as a diehard Shimano crank user) is the chance of the alu bolts shearing/getting knackered after a few BB changes.

This is the case for most of these lightweight cranks. For the peace of mind I replaced the shitty lightweight alloy furniture with titanium screws.

[Ultramic]

This is the case for most of these lightweight cranks. For the peace of mind I replaced the shitty lightweight alloy furniture with titanium screws.

Do you mind sharing a link where we can find these parts ?

[Da11as]

Do you mind sharing a link where we can find these parts ?

I have milling guy and he crafted screws using original parts as a reference. He also made a couple of these for few other forum members. Unfortunately, for external reasons, that option is not available anymore.

I saw some Ti screws for Elilee cranks on Ali, I think the name of the store was S-parts or something like that. They may fit these cranks but I didn't look into the lot close enough.

[jonathanf2]

Titanium dub screw:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256809891285021.html

I'm guessing these might fit? You'd have to get 2 if you want both sides. Or just leave the axle in-place on the non-drive side and replace the drive side with the titanium components.

[jonathanf2]

Do you mind take a couple of measurements without the spider attached. Firstly, the spindle length with the arms attached and torqued down. And the factor in the same position. Cheers.

I should have measured the cranks before I attached everything, but I want to minimize wear so I don't see myself disassembling the crankset anytime soon. Maybe some of the people who've ordered the crankset can do the measurements before installing it?

[jonathanf2]

Super annoying, but a standard 4 pin DUB crank tool doesn't fit on the Cruz crankset. The pin placement is slightly smaller in sq. length. I think it might be similar to a Riro crankset screw cover. Any suggestion on a 4 pin tool that might fit?