A Guide to Bike Cranksets

The crankset is the heart of your bike's drivetrain, transferring your pedalling power into forward motion. It might seem like a simple component, but cranksets come in different configurations to suit various riding styles. In this guide, we’ll shed light on what makes up a crankset and the different options available.

Cranks and Chainrings:

A crankset is typically comprised of two crank arms connected by a spindle. The pedals attach to the crank arms, and the chainrings, which have teeth, are mounted on the spindle. When you pedal, the chainrings rotate, engaging the chain which in turn drives the rear wheel.

Crankset Sizes:

• Number of Chainrings: Cranksets come with one, two, or three chainrings. Single chainrings (1x) are popular on mountain bikes for simplicity and weight savings. Double chainrings (2x) offer a good balance of climbing gears and top-end speed for road bikes. Triple chainrings (3x) provide the widest range of gears for tackling tough climbs, but are less common on modern bikes.
• Crankarm Length: Crank arm length is measured in millimetres (mm) and affects pedalling efficiency and leverage. Taller riders generally benefit from longer cranks (170mm to 180mm), while shorter riders might prefer shorter cranks (155mm to 170mm) for better leg clearance.

Choosing the Right Crankset:

The ideal crankset depends on your riding style and terrain. For road cycling, double chainrings are a good choice for most road riders. Compact cranksets with smaller big chainrings also offer easier climbing gears for hills. If you’re a mountain biker, single chainrings offer a wide gear range with a simpler drivetrain. For technical trails, consider shorter cranks for better ground clearance.

Replacement Cranksets from BETD

At BETD, we offer a wide range of replacement cranksets to suit any bike type, with our Middleburn cranks known for their performance and durability. Whether you're refreshing your drivetrain or upgrading your crankset altogether, our selection caters to all rider needs. Browse our collection online or contact our team for expert advice on finding the perfect crankset for your next ride.