What Is a BMX Crankset?

BMX cranks are the metal arms that connect bike pedals to the bottom bracket. Freestyle cranksets are designed to be tough and are an important part of creating forward motion on a BMX. Compared to race BMX bike cranks which are made out of aluminum or carbon fiber, freestyle cranks are made from steel or Chromoly.

What Are the Different Types of BMX Cranksets?

There are three main types of cranksets for freestyle BMX: 1-piece, 2-piece, and 3-piece. 1-piece cranks are held in place by the bearings and are commonly found on entry-level bikes and older models. 2-piece cranks come with one crank bolt, are easy to install, and contain a spindle that is built into one of the crank arms. 3-piece BMX cranksets are the most common style of cranks found on freestyle BMX bikes. They are typically heavier but more solid than a 2-piece crankset and often a little wider.

How Long Should my BMX Cranks Be?

BMX crank arms come in a range of sizes from around 125mm to 190mm, however most riders will go for a length of 170mm or 175mm.

How long you want your crank arms to be is ultimately a personal preference however it does make a difference on your riding. If your goal is to ride at speed then it’s recommended to go for longer crank arms. If you’re more into street riding then opt for smaller arms, as these will give you better clearance.

Finally, it is essential to check that your crankset is compatible with your pedals and that you know the size of your bottom bracket.