WHICH CRANKSET IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Discover the essential link in your bike: the crankset. From the basics to advanced choices, our blog will guide you through everything you need to know about cranksets. Whether you’re an avid cyclist looking for performance improvements or a beginner looking to better understand bike components, we’ve got you covered. From the different types to replacing them, learn how to make the right choices for a smoother, more efficient ride.
What is a crankset?
The crankset of a bicycle is the connection between the bottom bracket, the pedals and the gears. Usually, the crankset consists of two parts, left and right, which are connected by the bottom bracket. In some models, the bottom bracket is part of the cranks, which saves weight and increases stiffness. Cranksets can be roughly divided into three categories: single, double and triple, depending on the number of gears.
Single crank
The single crank is a relatively new phenomenon that has gained a lot of ground in recent years on mountain bikes, gravel bikes and cyclocross bikes. A single chainring offers several advantages:
- Despite the single chainring, you often retain the same range as with a double. With the current extended cassettes on mountain bikes and gravel bikes, you don't have to worry about a shortage of light gears.
- A single chainring is lighter, you obviously have one less chainring and you don't need a front derailleur or left shifter.
- One-handed shifting. With rear-only gears, you only need to shift on one side, allowing you to concentrate fully on the trail.
Double crank
A double crankset is mainly used on racing bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes. The advantage of a double compared to a single is the larger number of gears. On the road, a constant cadence (number of revolutions per minute) is of great importance. Although the range of a 1x setup is comparable, the intermediate steps are smaller with a double. This allows you to choose the ideal gear for every speed.
Triple crank
Triple cranksets are nowadays mainly seen on touring and trekking bikes, where the goal is to have the right gear in every situation. The advantage of a triple is the enormous range with relatively small jumps between the gears. This allows you to climb any mountain you want with a loaded bike.
What should i pay attention to when buying a new crankset?
The most important thing is that the crankset is compatible with the rest of your bike. So it needs to have the right number of gears and fit your bottom bracket. If your bike has a hollow bottom bracket, the axle is attached to the crankset . The axle can vary in diameter and length, with common standards being 24mm (Shimano), 29mm (Sram) or 30mm.
If the bottom bracket is not attached to the crankset, but to the bottom bracket bearings, it is usually a square axle.
Crank length
Cranksets come in different lengths, usually ranging from 165 mm to 175 mm. The right length depends on your inner leg length and the type of bike. A longer crank increases the leverage, which means you have to put less force on the pedals. Shorter cranks are also increasingly used these days. A shorter crank increases the hip angle, allowing you to raise your saddle and adopt a more aerodynamic position. In addition, shorter cranks make it easier to avoid the ground, allowing you to pedal more in the bends. This explains why shorter cranks are often fitted to mountain bikes.
How do I replace my crankset?
If the bottom bracket is part of the crankset, you usually don't need any special tools. With Sram, you loosen the crank bolt (8 mm Allen bolt), after which the crankset will come loose by itself. With Shimano, you loosen the two 5 mm Allen bolts and remove the plastic crank bolt with the appropriate tool . Then you can remove the crankset with a few gentle taps.
If your crankset is attached to a fixed bottom bracket, such as a square axle or a Bosch mid-drive motor, you will need a crank puller. You loosen the crank bolt, screw the crank puller into the crank and then tighten it to push the crank off the axle.
Mounting the crankset is usually easy. For cranksets that are attached to the bottom bracket, simply tighten the crank bolt. The same goes for Sram cranks. For Shimano cranksets, first tighten the crank bolt by hand with the special tool and then tighten the two Allen bolts.
Looking for some new cranks ? Check out our range of cranksets. If you can't figure it out, our bike experts are here to advise you and answer all your questions!