Bicycles Stack Exchange
Bicycles Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [crankset]

The crankset is the combination of components that convert motion from the rider's leg movements into rotational motion to drive the chain and propel the bike. The crankset includes one or more chainrings (sprockets) and the two cranks, or arms, to which the pedals are attached.

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Plastic ring on new Shimano crankset, toss or keep?

I just got a new Shimano crankset and it has this plastic ring on the "inside" of the small chainring. I'm thinking that this just some packing material. Am I right and can I toss it, or is this a real part?
BPugh
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What is the effect of changing length of crank arms?

There are some length options for the crank arms - like 170mm, 175mm. What is the difference for the rider? In which way does it effect the commute? Tried looking at Selecting the right crank length, didn't get a comprehensive answer.
Alexander
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Is it bad for the bike to pedal backwards?

Whenever I near yellow or red lights, I slow down and pedal backwards as I coast so that I can continue to get exercise while I wait for the light to turn green before I reach the intersection. (It's a mountain bike; it doesn't have a coaster…
Synetech
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Why such a tiny difference in crankarm length?

Why are there only 170 and 175mm lengths for the crank arms of MTBs? I would have guessed that touring bikes would benefit from far longer crank arms than those, suitable for mountain riding.
Vorac
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different chainset designs?

Over the decades there were many different crankset and especially spider designs: 4, 5 or 6 arm spiders, symmetric or assymetric, different BCDs, direct mount and probably many more. When looking at all the different cranks from different eras, a…
user430
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Advantages of higher quality cranksets

What are the advantages of upgrading the crankset on a bicycle? For example, my bike (2009 Kona Dew) comes with a FSA Dyna Drive crankset. I'm assuming this is a pretty basic crankset since it lies at the bottom of their product list. Would there be…
Soo Wei Tan
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What is the second thread on the crank for?

I am trying to fix the problem with my bicycle where the left crank keeps unscrewing itself. The thread on which a serrated lock nut should keep the pedal in place is conventional (clockwise to tighten). When looking closely at both sides. There is…
midnightBlue
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Replace crankset or cassette for better road performance on an MTB?

I few years ago I got into cycling again to help keep fit. I still had my mountain bike from when I did some easy trail riding. I'm mainly riding on the road now and I was wondering if I can change the crankset or cassette might give me a little…
Sproxno
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The pros and cons of crank self-extractors

I'd like to know more about the reliability of self-extracting crank bolts, but haven't found much information on how they perform (or how they don't). My interest stems from touring and international travel, but also from practicality. It seems…
WTHarper
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How to attach a shimano crank arm power meter on a low end bike with a square taper crankset?

I have an old bike that has a cheap square taper crankset. And I would like to attach a crank arm power meter to it that will fit a Shimano crankset. Is there an adapter that can fit into the square hole and offer grips for the Shimano crank to…
David Alsh
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Is it possible to change the lengths of bike cranks?

ive had debilitating arthritis since I was five and whilst I was younger I enjoyed riding a bike. Unfortunately due to degradation of my hip and lower back joints I am unable to use bikes with long cranks as my hips and back don't allow for the…
Ryan
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Wondering if this crankset from 1990 is still safe to use

so I bought a used bike from 1990 and it came with a FC-M550 Deore crankset, but I'm not sure how safe it is to use in its current condition since there seem to be some small hairline cracks around the taper hole of the left side crank, especially…
Morgan087
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How do I remove these crank bolt plugs

I have an old 10-speed bike (presumably 80's vintage). I'm trying to remove the bottom bracket and cranks but have struck a problem. The crank bolts have a plastic cap over the top of them and I'm not sure how to remove it. They look like they…
Mac
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Stiff knee, can I use a shorter crank on one side?

My left knee is stiff and arthritic after 5 operations. If I have the saddle high enough not to over-flex that knee, I can barely touch the ground ... as I am elderly and not very agile, this is not safe! It was suggested to me that a shorter crank…
Justin Blowers
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Trick or tool to help line up 48 splined crank arms

Besides eyeballing it and comparing the line to the seat tube, are there any tricks to getting 48 splined crank arms perfectly aligned? I must have spent a solid 15 minutes looking at them from every angle until I was satisfied.
dotjoe
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