Ciamillo Gravitas crank, review and poll

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Moderator: robbosmans

What are the 2 most important things for you on a crank ?

-Design + stiffness
15
9%
-Design + weight
24
15%
-Design + price
8
5%
-Stiffness + weight
70
44%
-Stiffness + price
14
9%
-Weight + price
28
18%
 
Total votes: 159

elfuinha
Posts: 723
Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2010 10:18 pm

by elfuinha

Tracking number on the spacers start working now. :beerchug:

spacers should be here next week.

so i'll inform on crank setup on PFBB30 and will do a Review if the setup works (Ciamillo V3 Bolt Spider stiffness, chainline, etc, VS Cannondale Hollowgram SL Spidering).

with all this mess, Forget to weight the crank!!!!!!

but know i'll put some weight on the bike instead of removing, do to praxis rings that are 157g in 52/36.

let's see if things start working now - really really......................... hope so.

Best Regards

Mimizk
Posts: 37
Joined: Tue Mar 20, 2012 1:35 am

by Mimizk

I'm wondering.

lewolive wrote:Please note that it's me who advised Ted to make his crank compatible with the largest manufacturer of BB, Rotor.

So, the crank is working with the same instructions as those used for the line 3D+/3D Flow, 3DF/3D Power, WITH ROTOR bearings !


I heard such this thing for the first time.
I don't say there is something of problem at this point, but I had ordered with specify Q-factor width.
"Full customizable", this word is used by Ted Ciamillo for advertisement of his crank.

If the cranks have the same concept with Rotor's cranks that use comparatively long spindle and be helped spacer for compatible with multitude BB shells, really is it able to adjust its Q-factor?

by Weenie


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elfuinha
Posts: 723
Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2010 10:18 pm

by elfuinha

elfuinha wrote:Tracking number on the spacers start working now. :beerchug:

spacers should be here next week.

so i'll inform on crank setup on PFBB30 and will do a Review if the setup works (Ciamillo V3 Bolt Spider stiffness, chainline, etc, VS Cannondale Hollowgram SL Spidering).

with all this mess, Forget to weight the crank!!!!!!

but know i'll put some weight on the bike instead of removing, do to praxis rings that are 157g in 52/36.

let's see if things start working now - really really......................... hope so.

Best Regards


Well like i promissied here is the fast review, since i was able to get a Derlin Spacers (5mm thick so no defletion) from a CNC master friend of a Friend (doesn't matter):

1st - went to my local LBS, Mounted the crank on friday morning no issues using the mutch needed spacer all sems to be working out.

went to the shop in the afternoon to see the results , here start the problems, adressed by my mechanic:

1st thing notice, one side of the Spider is missed aligned so when the on the 36T, there is rubbing of the chain on the big ring in the last 3 cogs of the cassete. (emailed Ted.)

2nd the chain line isn't the ideal, its to much inwards, but correcting this with small spacers could work, but the alignement of the cranks to the center of the bike must be checked.

all this i could pass, with the replacing of a new spider,... etc...etc...

3nd - 9.00Am went to the store pick up the Bike went for a ride:

20km all ok, praxis rings shift good, not using on the 3 last cogs because of rubbing....
after the 20kms crank starts to creak...
after 40kms creaks even more...
after 60kms it's enought..... so went back to LBS, we check the all the bolts, everything was as it should be: grease in all bolts and parts, and threadlock in contact with titanium BB and pedals.... still creaking, just by standing on bike and moving the cranks. (Emailed Ted)

So the only thing that wasn't check was the Spider (factory mounted):

went this morning to the LBS, removed the crank again, remove the spider grease it, (no grease in it what soever, dry) and replaced the pedals with plataform ones downhill pedals and put on the bike.

IT STILL CREAKS LIKE HELL....

emailed Ted, still waiting on is answer to kown what is my next move. The crank is already packed.

Return the crank will cost me na other 30€. Money i'm not weeling to give. since the amount that i've payed, could have get a clavícula Crank, and still have spared Money or better kipping the Hollowgram SL.

About the Stiffness of the Crank, My preavius Cannondale Hollowgram SL 53/39 Spidering is stiffer on the chainring, than the 52/36 Ciamillo with Praxis, do to Spider/chainrings Combo on the cannondale, but that i think is hard to beat.

So if some people are interested in the praxis Rings 52/36 and Chris king PFBB30 SSteel, they are like new (60km - see the market thread they are ther for sale), i've no use for them anymore.

Best Regards
Nuno

elfuinha
Posts: 723
Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2010 10:18 pm

by elfuinha

Will return the crank tomorow, so i can have the refund next week when the crank arraives to Ciamillo.

coppercook62
Posts: 382
Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2010 7:58 am

by coppercook62

Man thats alot of money for something that bad

Mimizk
Posts: 37
Joined: Tue Mar 20, 2012 1:35 am

by Mimizk

Nuno...
Your money may not be refunded.

elfuinha wrote:Will return the crank tomorow, so i can have the refund next week when the crank arraives to Ciamillo.


Because, Ted Ciamillo have not refund my amount yet.
It is over a month.

He sent me this on 2013/9/2.

we will refund you by Friday and get your crank back right away. Sorry for the problems.


And on 2013/9/10.

I processed adding funds to the Paypal account last Friday. I will be able to make the transfer as soon as it is available.


And this is his last mail on 2013/9/30.

I am working on getting refunded. Please give me until the end of the week.


Ofcourse I have not received refund from him still now.
So you may not be able to get refund.
He is not a human.

User avatar
prendrefeu
Posts: 8580
Joined: Wed Oct 31, 2007 10:32 pm
Location: Glendale / Los Angeles, California
Contact:

by prendrefeu

disappointed-in-ted-ciamillo.gif :|
Exp001 || Other projects in the works.

2tonGorilla
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue Oct 08, 2013 6:32 pm

by 2tonGorilla

Long time browser, first time poster. I felt like I should put my 2 cents since not many people seem to have the cranks in general.

I've had the Gravita's Crank's on version 3 for over two weeks now. I can't say I've had any creaking issues after proper install and couldn't be more happy on how stiff and light these cranks are. I run a 170mm crank, 110bcd on a BB30 with the praxis 52/36 prior to switching them to my CX bike for CX season. No chain rub on the Big ring or alignment issues on either setup. My first impressions on the Re-design of the spider really makes the cranks much stiffer and more reliable. That being said I was one of the first "tester's" of the cranks and I managed to crack the previous spider (130 with a 53/39) at the spline interface behind the arm. Both times under full sprint in a pro 1/2/3 field if you must know (yes your probably faster than me blah blah blah and I do a zillion watts at full tilt :P ). I like to think I'm the reason why he completely changed the mounting and design of the spider. Since he's told me I've been the only successful person to crank his previous Gen. spider's even with proper install.

In terms of the arms and overall stiffness, I don't think they're any other cranks that are anywhere near the stiffness these crank's have. I have SR11, Sworks w/carbon spider, 6700 and rode a handful of times DA9000 and I was skeptic you could get any noticeably stiffer. I was wrong. This may or may not be scientific proof but if I lower my saddle a bit, I actually get shin splints doing LT intervals. And for cranks to be THAT stiff and that weight is remarkable.

I wouldn't say I'm not with out some complaints myself in the communication department. Shipping haven't been the most consistent and I couldn't always get on his Voice mail. Seems like it is almost always full from people blowing it up. But when I do get thru to Ted personally he's more then willing to take suggestions, lend some advice and help or explain why. He also managed to overnight me a new crank that was lost VIA Usps

People here and some of my friends may be wondering why would I put up with some of the headache of the back and forth of the Gravita's cranks, I think the product itself simply deliver in stiffness and weight beyond what I originally expected. They make my other crank's seem flimsy after riding the new version's and at the end of the day they put a s&*9 eating grin on my face.

JN2Wheels
Posts: 219
Joined: Sat May 09, 2009 3:03 am
Location: Maryland

by JN2Wheels

Hi, K! Great to hear a first person account that isn't completely slamming the product or Ted. He has some business practices to account for, no doubt, but I still appreciate the guts he displays with every product launch! I'll have to pay more attention next time I swipe your ride, now that I know what I was pedaling!

jmocallaghan
in the industry
Posts: 46
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 1:02 am
Location: NC, USA

by jmocallaghan

I will say having watched the development of the crank over the last few months and owning two myself, the product is without a doubt at a level of maturity that simply puts it at another level all together. It is a boutique crank with the performance surpassing dura-ace in stiffness. You can literally feel it. A lot of bashing is done by people whom I am not sure understood "how" to put the crank together on the bike. The crank requires some attention to detail with ensuring the spacing is correct and washers are placed accordingly. This is no different than the Zipp Vukka was before. I also believe it takes attention to detail with the torque wrench to make sure you've set off the fixing bolt correctly. Chaiin line issues on the reversion 3 resolve earlier issues.

Really, the crank is phenomenal. The biggest gripe I've got is the time line to get it. Look at it this way, this is weight weenies, most the people who are here are high end consumers, mechanics or industry guys. We all know what we're looking for and at. We rule by exception: this is wrong, that is wrong, etc... This crank we've seen go through an evolution and right now it's at a point far beyond where it was 6 months ago so it's important to take into consideration that Ted has addressed the earlier issues. I believe the issues we're seeing now are from more user errors in assembly. I mean heck, the latest issue was one where the crank was broke during CX. I'm sitting here with 3 x broken SRAM cranks from CX in 2 years!!! It happens!

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HammerTime2
Posts: 5813
Joined: Thu May 04, 2006 4:43 pm
Location: Wherever there's a mountain beckoning to be climbed

by HammerTime2

jmocallaghan wrote:I believe the issues we're seeing now are from more user errors in assembly.
I believe the issues we're seeing now are from the user error of doing business with Ciamillo.

Mimizk
Posts: 37
Joined: Tue Mar 20, 2012 1:35 am

by Mimizk

Hi

jmocallaghan wrote:I believe the issues we're seeing now are from more user errors in assembly.


I can't agree this point.
Because you didn't see the details for your eyes.
I can't say what similar you said if I don't see individual cases.

If your crank had no problem, the all of the cranks which Ciamillo made are so?
Ofcouse even Shimano make inferior products.
Why you can say "it is not fail of Ciamillo, also might mistake by assemble"?

You have been able to use the cranks on noramal, this is true.
But there are many people who have problem with the crank, also this is true.


I don't say good or bad about Ted Ciamillo's products.
But he lives by wages to sell his product to somebody and also get pleasure.
How do you think he is enough faithful to receive the things?
I don't think that anything is permited even if make better product.
It is not different from thief what he did.

lewolive
Posts: 160
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2012 4:10 pm
Location: Gien, France
Contact:

by lewolive

Well, I have to say that I never agreed Ted's business plan for the development of the crank.
But as you know, he has trashed a lot of time and energy on non profitable other projects, without investing money on bike parts development for 4 years.
The result is that one day he called me to relaunch the Ciamillo crank project and I defined for him the features of what would be the best crank that money can buy.
I have always been not convinced by the V1 because Ted is not a primary carbon fiber manufacturer. The Gravitas are good because the energy transmission is low compared with a crank... and all the best brands in the world have met issues on carbon cranks.
When we worked on the V2 of the crank, I became impatient because it was the alchemy of one of the best carbon available in the USA and the best aluminum machinist in the USA.
I had the chance to ride the V2 at the beginning, and I still have this prototype in stock. The features of this V2 used to be very impressive and at this point I was very optimistic to start the sales since I had no failures, which is positive for just a prototype.
But, according to me, Ted has not been implicated enough in the crank between January and September 2013. Ted may not agree with me, never mind ! The fact is that the real cost of production without R&D costs is higher than any other crank in the world, except maybe THM. No company in the world would accept to produce at such costs levels. And Ted had to deliver cranks sometimes several times to the same customer. What a crazy cost !
At the same time, Ted has no all new brakes to supply in big quantities, which means that he cannot fund the crank project with the cash of the brakes.
At the same time, Ted wanted to make sure to share the risks on his new products, and he spent time for the new Lunocet 2014 which is, I have to say, an awesome product, but probably not yet a success due to the high price.
So, the project of the crank has not been able to advance at the good speed, the small evolutions requested took a lot of time, and I'm still frustrated because Ted did not heard me this spring when I wanted him to attach the spider to the base. But he finally did it and now I'm very excited because the product is no longer a prototype, it's a commercial product.
The last things he has done was the finishing (black powder coating), and it's definitely giving a perfect aspect to the product.

As I'm still riding with this all new version, my French customers who are visiting me are very impressed and they want to order. But I don't promise the moon, they will wait for 6 months for most of them, also because I know how much it's long to produce just one crank. The happy few customers who have ordered this spring (without paying anything) will be probably delivered next November. I cannot certify that the product will not meet any failure, but as of today, the fatigue tests done with the V2 and now the V3 are making us very enthusiastic. Ted knows how long the tubes have to be inserted in the aluminum parts, he knows how to glue the tubes, how to make the exact length ordered, and the PTS system is fine.
There was some additional weight on the previous versions, but Ted is working on that, touch by touch, gram per gram, and I'm sure that the product will be appreciated by weightweenies and not only design fans. I'm personally interested by the ratio weight and stiffness, because that's what I need in competition. Despite the version that I have is only 60g lighter than the equivalent product from Rotor (3D+), there is still a big gap in terms of feelings. This looks like when you change your heavy steel pedals by a titanium Speedplay pair, but the weight savings are dispatched all along the arms, which is allowing good sensations.

To conclude, I'd just say that the product is on the way to a large production, and Ted needs again a few weeks to increase the cadency. I'll also validate soon a significant new version of the GSL, and I already know that it'll be a success because this is a product that is matching with the 2014 market needs.
For impatient direct customers, once cranks and brakes are going out at full capacity, Ted will have more employees and the customer care will change.
I want to push up Ted to have an internet shop like I have www.ciamillo.eu for Europe. This is important to have stock on brakes, small parts and to know that if you order, you're delivered within 48h (1 week for international). I want Ted to have a such integrated website with actual stock available, because as of today the European customers have a great customer care for a made in USA product, whereas US buyers have a poor customer care due to the fact that Ted has not yet the HR resources to do that.
Please be sure that Ted wants to recover the production capacities that he used to have in 2008 and meet the market standards in terms of customer satisfaction. This is for me just a question of a few months...

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carbonLORD
in the industry
Posts: 459
Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2004 6:31 pm
Contact:

by carbonLORD

Mimizk wrote:It is not different from thief what he did.


That's not a fair to label Ted as a thief due to the problems of 2 or 3 people, of which Ted seems to continue to work with, albeit slower then they might have liked, but it's not like he is running away with their money.

A few people here have addressed what appear to be valid arguments regarding Ted as a businessman, but a thief he is not and that should be apparent by the fact he stands behind the products he creates, and seems to do so regardless of loosing money in the process.

I don't know very many people who make this level of product, work directly with their customers and find the time to come online and contribute.

But yes, I'd be pretty upset like some of you if I had an expensive bike part fail and it took months to resolve. I'd be even more upset if it was never addressed and never resolved but thankfully that is not the case, is it?

Ted's a genuine guy and lot's of folks will continue to support him, even through these growing pains. I think Olivier summed it up best and everything will ease in to production in the coming months.

Until there is a genuine account that someone here got ripped off, lets save the personal comparisons and talk about the product.
carbonLORD.com

LionelB
Posts: 1595
Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:09 pm
Location: Aix en Provence

by LionelB

it seems to me that a lot less talking and a lot more walking is needed.

by Weenie


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