Road cranksets and crank arms

How to choose a road bike crankset

The crankset transfers all your power. Its crank length, spindle standard and gearing must match your frame and drivetrain. Shimano, SRAM, FSA, Campagnolo, Miche and Rotor are available, with or without a power meter.

Which spindle and bottom bracket standard?

This is the point that causes the most installation failures: the crankset spindle must match your frame's bottom bracket, including any adapter.

• Shimano Hollowtech II : 24 mm spindle, the most widespread standard.
• SRAM DUB : 28.99 mm spindle, specific to the brand.
• BB386, BB30, T47 : frame standards that require the corresponding bottom bracket or adapter.
• Check the standard marked on your current bottom bracket before ordering.

What crank length?

• Common lengths range from 165 to 175 mm, in 2.5 mm increments.
• The recent trend is towards shorter cranks, which open up the hip angle and make a low riding position easier.
• Changing crank length alters your saddle height: adjust it accordingly.

With or without a power meter?

• A sensor integrated into the crankset measures both legs or just one, depending on the model.
• Check that the protocol (ANT+, Bluetooth) is compatible with your bike computer.
• Alternatively, a bare crankset can still be fitted with a sensor later.

To find out more: How to choose a road bike crankset

See also: Road chainrings · Road cassettes · Crankset tools