Rare Sugino Cranks

• Sugino has been making a comeback in recent years, thanks to the bewildering popularity of NJS and fixie bits. But those in the know understand that the marquee's most interesting products aren't widely distributed outside of Japan. Take the XD compact double, for example. Sold for years as an "MTB Triple" this crank is simple, beautiful, and virtually indestructible. When paired with Sugino's nicest heat treated anodized rings, it's downright sexy. Rarer yet, and stranger yet, is Sugino's belated entry into the splined bottom bracket universe, the Cospea. This featherweight beauty is standard equipment on many handbuilt boutique builders' bicycles, but is sold in only tiny quantities to overseas fanboys.

  So why are these cranks so great? (1) Manufacturing process. Sugino has for over twenty years consistent produced, both under its own brand and OEM, the finest cold forged cranks in the world. They are second to one in terms of consistency and QA. (2) Design. Understated, elegant, and clean clean clean. Unlike some people we know. (3) Value. Sugino is priced only slightly higher than generic junk (think Dimension, RPM, etc.) and much lower than the big boys. Don't bother with Ritchey, Truvativ, etc. (4) Rarity. I mean seriously, do those carbon FSAs really impress any more? Not so much.

  Sugino XD Compact Double, $90

  Beautifully machined black chainrings (34-50), cold forged high polish spider and arms. 653g. Requires 110mm square taper bottom bracket.

  Sugino Cospea Compact Double, $120

  Beautifully machined black chainrings (34-50), cold forged high polish spider and arms. And best of all, the right chainring has the old school Sugino crown logo screened in white. Crazy light. 526g. Requires 109.5mm Octalink 1 bottom bracket.