Although two-piece chainsets are increasingly de rigueur these days, ‘old fashioned’ cartridge bottom brackets still have their appeal, especially when it comes to back-of-beyond touring, where small bike shops are less likely to hold spares for the latest technology.
The Impact Triple is a no nonsense, well priced, 110/74 bolt circle diameter chainset that uses a square taper bottom bracket, so it’s compatible with older Shimano bottom brackets.
The polished finish is simple, clean and complements the lines of a classic tourer, though the decals are quick to wear off. Our chainset had 46/34/24 rings – the smallest middle and inner you can fit – which are ideal for heavily laden touring, and weighed 723g.
Various other configurations are available, such as a 50/40/30, as well as crank arms as small as 165mm. The aluminium outer rings and steel inner have stood up well so far, and ramp up perfectly quickly.
UK importer Spa Cycles recommends a Stronglight JP400 110mm bottom bracket to go with the Impact; the steel model will set you back as little as £11, or £13 for a lighter aluminium model.