Help with Odd Shimano Part Number

[Vintage Seeker]

Hi All,

Longtime lurker, first time poster. I have a question regarding an odd twist on a Shimano part #. I'm very fond of the following chainset/crank: Shimano FC-M730. However, I recently came across the following chainset/crank: Shimano FC-M73C. Note that the letter "C" is used in place of the "0" (zed). If I hadn't seen the irregularity with my own two eyes I would have discounted it as a typo. So, does anyone have any info about this odd part #? I'd like to pick this crank/chainset up but am worried that it's a prototype or factory second or the like. By the way, the date code ("QE") denotes this chainset as having been manufactured in May 1992.

Thanks, in advance, for whatever help folks can provide.

 

[one-eyed_jim]

I suspect it's simply an error on Shimano's part. A similar chainset sold recently on eBay.de:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/291430485469

The date stamp appears to be "QD". As far as I can tell, the chainset is indistinguishable from a standard XT FC-M730 unit. It's quite possible a transcription error was made during retooling and wasn't caught immediately.

 

[FluffyChicken]

yep errors happen, I have a FD-M901 front mech that has a sticker with M901 placed over M900 stamping.
No difference as the plates are the same.


I would hazard a guess the 0 snapped a bit off and looks similar to the C and it's near the 'end of life' for that crank at that point so probably just let it go.

Why to month like that, guess april/may switched over in the middle of the week.... or it was a weekend, friday night ?

 

[Vintage Seeker]

Re:

Perfect! Thanks for the info and happy riding.

 

[Theweev]

Re:

Hey vintage seeker,
Ended up here while looking for a replacement set of cranks. I have the FC M73C shimano cranks on my 1992 Rocky Mountain Cirrus. They are original to the bike. I live in BC and the bike spent most of it's 1st 5 years been ridden on the North Shore. Since then it has primarily been used as a commuter. The pedal mount finally stripped out so they are dead. In my interwebs search this thread was the only one that has popped up with the FC M73C tag. Now, it is some two years on from the start of this but I was wondering if you have those cranks, number 1, and 2 would you be willing to part with them. Just curious as this seems odd that they would turn up so rarely and be found on near opposite sides of the globe.
Cheers

 

[Vintage Seeker]

Re:

@Theweeve - I do have a lifetime supply of NOS FC-M737 cranks (two sets each in 175mm and 165mm, respectively) but am not willing to part with any. I would suggest setting up saved searches on that well known online auction site. NOS FC-M737 cranks do occasionally (but still reliably) appear.

Good luck!

 

[Theweev]

Re:

Hey VS,
Thanks for the reply. I fully understand the desire to hang on to them. I have kept an eye on "that" site and there are some up right now. However, yours were the only ones with the "c" designation that I have seen. Here's to being unique. Again thanks for the reply and enjoy the ride.

Cheers