How to Properly Maintain Your Shimano FC-6700 Crankset for Peak Performance

Posted on
in No category

The Shimano FC-6700 [paid link] Crankset is a high-performance, reliable component designed for road cyclists who value efficiency and smooth gear transitions. Whether you’re a competitive rider or a recreational cyclist, ensuring your FC-6700 [paid link] crankset is properly maintained will keep it functioning smoothly, extend its lifespan, and enhance overall bike performance. This guide covers all the essential maintenance steps, from basic care to troubleshooting common issues, ensuring your crankset remains in top condition.

Regular Cleaning and Inspection

Cleaning your Shimano FC-6700 [paid link] crankset is the foundation of good maintenance. Dirt, grime, and road debris can wear down the components over time, affecting their efficiency and increasing the risk of damage. Here’s how to properly clean and inspect your crankset:

  • Frequency: Clean your crankset after every ride in wet or muddy conditions. In dry conditions, a bi-weekly cleaning is sufficient.
  • Cleaning Tools: Use a soft brush, water, and a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish of the crankset.
  • Procedure:
    1. Remove the chain if necessary to allow full access to the crankset.
    2. Use the soft brush to scrub the arms and spider of the crankset, paying special attention to the area between the arms and the chainrings.
    3. Use a rag or cloth to wipe off excess water and debris, ensuring all moving parts are dry to prevent rust.
    4. Inspect the crankset for signs of wear, cracks, or damage. If any issues are spotted, address them before your next ride.

Lubrication of the Crankset

Proper lubrication reduces friction and wear between the moving parts of your FC-6700 crankset, especially in the bottom bracket and pedal threads. Here’s how to lubricate the crankset correctly:

  • Lubrication Frequency: Apply lubricant every 2-3 months or after cleaning if the lubricant has washed off.
  • Lubricant Type: Use a light bike-specific grease or anti-seize compound. Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can attract dirt.
  • Application Steps:
    1. Apply a thin layer of grease to the pedal threads and the crank arm where the pedals are installed.
    2. Apply grease to the bottom bracket interface to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth rotation.
    3. Avoid over-lubricating, as excess grease can attract dust and dirt, causing additional wear.

Crank Arm Tightening and Adjustment

The crank arms on the Shimano FC-6700 are designed to be tightened securely for optimal power transfer. If the crank arms are too loose or too tight, it can negatively affect your pedaling efficiency and cause damage to the bike. Here’s how to properly adjust and tighten your crank arms:

  • Tools Required:
  • Steps:
    1. Use the crank arm bolt tool to remove the bolts securing the crank arms to the bottom bracket.
    2. Clean the crank arm bolts thoroughly before reinstalling them. Look for any signs of wear or thread damage.
    3. Reinstall the crank arms and tighten the bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment.
    4. Use a torque wrench [paid link] to tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended torque value (usually 12-14 Nm). Over-tightening can damage the crankset, while under-tightening can cause slippage or unsafe riding conditions.

Bottom Bracket Maintenance

The bottom bracket plays a critical role in the performance of your Shimano FC-6700 crankset by allowing the crank arms to rotate smoothly. If the bottom bracket is not maintained or shows signs of wear, it can lead to decreased performance and potential damage to the crankset. Here’s how to maintain the bottom bracket:

  • Maintenance Frequency: Inspect and service the bottom bracket every 6-12 months depending on riding conditions.
  • Maintenance Steps:
    1. Remove the crank arms from the bottom bracket using an appropriate tool.
    2. Inspect the bottom bracket for any play or roughness in its rotation. If you notice any issues, it may need to be replaced.
    3. Clean the bottom bracket housing with a degreaser, ensuring no dirt or grime remains.
    4. Reinstall the bottom bracket, ensuring it is aligned correctly. Apply some grease to prevent corrosion.
    5. Reinstall the crank arms and tighten them securely as described above.

Chainring Care

The chainrings on the Shimano FC-6700 crankset are integral to smooth shifting and efficient power transfer. Maintaining them properly will ensure long-lasting performance.

  • Inspection: Regularly check for signs of wear, such as teeth that are worn down, bent, or broken. If you notice the teeth becoming jagged or sharp, it’s time to replace the chainrings.
  • Cleaning: Use a brush and degreaser to clean the chainrings, particularly after wet or muddy rides.
  • Lubrication: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the chainrings to reduce friction and prevent rust. Be cautious not to apply too much lubricant, as it can attract dirt and grime.

Crankset Alignment and Trueness

A misaligned crankset can cause inefficient pedaling and may lead to additional strain on other drivetrain components. To ensure your Shimano FC-6700 crankset is properly aligned:

  • Procedure: Inspect the crankset for any signs of bending or misalignment. You can use a crank arm alignment tool to check the alignment of the crank arms relative to the bike frame. If there’s any noticeable deviation, the crankset should be adjusted or replaced.
  • Truing the Crankset: Over time, the crankset can become slightly warped due to impacts or wear. If the crankset feels uneven during pedaling, it may need truing. This typically requires professional service to ensure accuracy.

Performance Optimizations

To ensure your Shimano FC-6700 crankset is always performing at its best, you can implement several optimization strategies:

  • Upgrade to a Lighter Pedal System: While the FC-6700 is already a lightweight crankset, upgrading to lightweight pedals can reduce overall weight and improve your pedaling efficiency.
  • Adjust Gear Ratios: Experiment with different chainring combinations to optimize your gear ratios. This is especially useful for riders who regularly tackle challenging terrain.
  • Regular Bottom Bracket Servicing: A smooth and properly maintained bottom bracket will enhance the responsiveness of your crankset. Consider regular servicing or upgrading to a ceramic bottom bracket for even better performance.

Troubleshooting Common Crankset Issues

Even with proper maintenance, certain issues may arise with the Shimano FC-6700 crankset. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

  • Crankset Noise: If you hear creaking or clicking noises, check the crank arm bolts, pedal threads, and bottom bracket. Tightening or lubricating these areas often resolves the issue.
  • Loose Crank Arms: If the crank arms feel loose, check the bolt torque and re-tighten them to the specified value. If the issue persists, the crankset may need professional inspection.
  • Worn Chainrings: Over time, chainrings wear down, causing poor shifting and reduced efficiency. Replace worn chainrings to restore optimal performance.

By following these maintenance steps, you can keep your Shimano FC-6700 crankset performing at its peak. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and attention to alignment and tightening will prevent common issues and extend the life of your crankset. With proper care, the Shimano FC-6700 crankset will continue to provide smooth and reliable performance for years to come.