Stronglight Track 2000 chainset

With ruggedly handsome looks and remarkable rigidity, it comes as little surprise Stronglight’s track 2000 is aimed primarily at track connoseurs. However, slipping straight aboard 107mm axles it’s spot on for bespoke or pretty production fixers and single-speeds but as it costs £89.95 (plus £49.95 for the ring) it’s far too tasty for hacks.

Available in sensible 165 and 170mm lengths, the hot forged aluminium arms have a very substantial profile with high lustre anodising on the outside and subtly blast cleaned inners. Self-extracting crank bolts are a nice touch but require the leverage of a workshop Allen keys or Herculean strength using the 8mm stubby type found on most multi tools.

Firmly in place, there’s been no evidence of slackening over the past two hundred miles. Beautifully finished 144 bcd deep section, CNC machined rings, bearing remarkable similarity to Miche, are sold seperately and available in 1/8th pitch ranging from 44 to 52 teeth in one tooth increments.

Flat southern roads saw me plump for a 48tooth ring and 170mm arms equating to a very practical 79inch gear-plenty of cruising oomph with just a little in reserve for the climbs. However, riders of pretty conversions with lower bottom brackets would be well advised to opt in favour of the shorter cranks.

Snatching away from the lights, climbing out of the saddle or hammering along smooth B roads, there’s no evidence of the dreaded power sapping flex-even paired to relatively modest sealed cartridge bottom bracket and this rigidity is an absolute boon for track-standing. Cornering hard on roundabouts or flicking into tight junctions remind of their track heritage and might offer some advantage on TT mounts.

Stick with the cheap n’ cheerful’s or cut down road chainsets for hack duties as good looking cranks only get a spanking but the Track gives nice bikes with square tapers plenty to shout about.

Verdict

Super stiff upgrade for track iron and road fixers