Cook Bros. Racing Crankset... ?

[shutter]

Question... I have always wanted on of these cranks and many times came close to buying one on ebay... only reason I didn't is because I could never figure out why some of them sell for $150 and some of them sell for over $600... not even NOS ones...

I know about all the different race face models but would like to know more about Cooks cranks too...

Are there different models? Are some more rare and thus more valuable? This one came on a bike I picked up a while back.. Is it a basic one or special rare one? I'm buiding a single speed bike for beating around and if this is one of the special rare ones I'd rather save it for something more special...

Any info would be great, thanks!

.

 

[scant]

yours looks like a CBR crank, certainly desirable, esp with those original crank caps
http://www.bikepro.com/products/cranks/cooks.html

 

[elite504]

^^
CBR as above.
RSR had fluted backs/ pedal eye, and the spider clocked around half a pitch so one bolt is behind the arm.
Essentially these are derivatives of a BMX design.
E had a replaceable spider and a low q design. Much more "MTB". Inners rings aere 58mm regardless of spider.
F was for "forged". The only one with durability approaching durability from a large japanese maufacturer. After all, beautiful as they are, CNC is not the best way to make a crank.
E2 was an e with an "f" forged spider.

If you're questioning value, earlier with small italics can get huge coin, as can some of the specials produced (six arm spider etc), these will all have the collectors dizzy.

Proper Cook Bros dustcaps are de-rigeur as they flow smoothly into the profile of the crank, but on their own still command three figure.

 

[pete_mcc]

I'm not sure those are original caps as they are missing the Allen key fitting hole in the centre. What are they made of -plastic?
These are the originals:

 

[elite504]

Yup...
So valuable as many a ham fisted wrench has tightened them too tight, with no copper-slip. Then rounded them out when they get stuck fast.
Not the best design from an engineering perspective, but they sure look great!!

 

[M-Power]

Re:

The definitive thread -

http://forums.mtbr.com/vintage-retro-cl ... 92813.html

 

[shutter]

Thanks! I'll have to check the dust caps and see, they do not have that allen key hole so maybe aftermarket?

What are they worth? Are they the ones I see for $150-200 or the ones that fetch $400-600 ?

thanks!

 

[24pouces]

What are they worth? Are they the ones I see for $150-200 or the ones that fetch $400-600 ?

Like many parts, I think it's impossible to give the real price they worth. $150-200 Seems to be the price usually given. but some could be a little more expensive because they are 3DV or other rare colors.
$400-600 are crazy prices. Get away
In my opinion, I love the really first generation Cooks-CQP crankset. I could buy all them less than $200. They are very stiff and lightweight.

 

[ishaw]

I sold a set pretty recently for what I thought was a fair price for them and for retrobikers, with original nos caps for £150 I seem to recall. I was told afterwards they go for three times that on eBay, which is just plain crazy imho. Nice as they are, they aren't that light or strong and was happy to sell at a fair price, and to the buyer who had good plans for them. Ultimately they are worth what you are willing to pay, I'd not pay more than that myself.

 

[shutter]

cool, thanks. If I don't end up using them I'll start the bidding at $150 and let eBay do it's thing =)