The 30 best bike crank brands
Shimano, SRAM and FSA lead our ranking of 30 bike crank brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Bike Crank brands, ranked
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1
Shimano
Cycles are fun to ride and also good for health. But not every cycle feels good while riding and often has complaints. Shimano Steps presents you with a series of e-bikes that can accommodate any terrain, whether city or hill. They are equipped with a powerful motor and designed in a way that suits your needs and requirements. Shimano e-bikes are capable of withstanding tough conditions and are durable to all wear and tear.
Website: shimano-steps.com |Brands like Shimano
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
SRAM
Sram is a bicycle parts manufacturing company selling products like brakes and shifters of high quality at reasonable prices. The company is passionate about cycling, and its products can be found globally in select biking equipment retail stores. Their products are very innovative and are made after proper research. The brand's equipment improves the performance and the overall experience of cycling. They also allow easy cycling in hilly and mountainous areas
Website: sram.com |Brands like SRAM
Popularity 7.5/10
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3
FSA
The FSA brand has been associated with pioneer bike components for more than 60 years. Chainsets, cranksets, brakes, headsets, bottom brackets, and other bicycle parts are produced and designed by FSA. These are sold by a vast network of accredited dealers and are built to the best quality requirements. Therefore, be sure to check out what FSA offers if you're an avid cyclist seeking to replace the components on your bike or purchasing your first bicycle.
Website: fsaproshop.com |Brands like FSA
Popularity 7.0/10
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4
Campagnolo
Campagnolo generates significant components for racing, touring, and dirt bikes. Tullio established it in 1933 and has always been a group company. Their corporate headquarters are in Vicenza, a picturesque city in the Veneto region, where they also have their R&D labs and manufacturing facilities. Its products are utilized by elite racers worldwide, and its components can also be found on many more incredible sports, touring, and commuting bikes.
Website: campagnolo.com |Brands like Campagnolo
Popularity 6.2/10
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5
Raleigh
Raleigh offers a wide range of bicycles for every sort of person and every kind of need. They take great pride in contributing to this heritage by providing each biker with superior-quality, advanced equipment. Their comfortable women's collection includes mountain, hybrid, and city cycles. It is a business that produces bikes for commuting, recreation, and sports. They specialize in tandem, mountain, urban, and cruiser bikes. They provide a variety of bikes for men and women, including road racing and cyclocross models.
Website: raleighusa.com |Brands like Raleigh
Popularity 4.0/10
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6
Suntour
Suntour is a Taiwanese bicycle component company founded in 1988. The corporation is based in Taichung City and has manufacturing plants in Taiwan, China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The firm makes bicycle derailleurs, shifters, bicycle hubs, and other cycling-related components and is a crucial supplier to Shimano Inc. The Suntour lineup has something for everyone, from entry-level to deluxe racing bikes. The bike frames are made of aluminum alloy or T700 carbon fiber and come in various sizes to meet your specific demands.
Website: srsuntour.com |Brands like Suntour
Popularity 3.6/10
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7
Sugino
For more than a century, Japanese company Sugino has focused on manufacturing first-rate bicycle parts. It’s a well-respected company and boasts of producing OEM components of the highest level for well-known brands of cars. Sugino products have also made their way to Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, World Championships, and even Olympic races. The brand has allowed a lot of champions to taste success at the highest level in various championships.
Website: suginoltd.co.jp |Brands like Sugino
Popularity 3.4/10
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8
Sunlite
Sunlite Bikes sells bicycle accessories and other related products like baskets and Parking racks at reasonable prices. Their bike gears are functional and of high quality. Their storage racks and seats are also renowned and are made from durable and comfortable materials. They enhance the overall functionality and look of the bikes and also improve their performance. One can purchase their products at bike stores or online on their website.
Website: sunlite.bike |Brands like Sunlite
Popularity 3.3/10
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9
Race Face
Race Face's mountain cyclists, engineers, and designers work together to build the world's most innovative mountain bike components. As a Canadian company, they are committed to producing overdrive that performs even when pushed to their limits. Their products are designed...
Website: raceface.com |Brands like Race Face
Popularity 3.2/10
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10
KHE
KHE was founded in 1988 by two brothers named Thomas and Wolfgang Goring. They are focused on creating new versions of BMX bike parts that are lighter and easier to manufacture. A lot of research goes into the design and...
Website: khebikes.com |Brands like KHE
Popularity 2.6/10
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11
GT
GT Bicycles is a top maker of top-quality bicycles for beginners and avid riders. They provide bikes for every rider in various materials, including titanium, carbon fiber, and aluminum. GT believes that no detail is too little for having fun...
Website: gtbicycles.com |Brands like GT
Popularity 2.4/10
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12
SR
Suspension is a key component of the entire experience of biking that ties together all the different parts of the bike. At SRSuntour, suspension products meet innovation and quality to make your ride a safe and fun experience. Their diverse...
Website: srsuntour.com |Brands like SR
Popularity 2.3/10
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13
Weldtite
The Weldtite puncture repair kit includes all of the necessary tools and a pair of durable tire levers that tuck neatly into the handle. It also comes with a patching tool and a glue applicator to help you repair any...
Website: index.weldtite.co.uk |Brands like Weldtite
Popularity 2.2/10
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14
Odyssey
Odyssey is a groundbreaking golf-based social network that links you with other players and assists you in finding your next opponent. Odyssey connects you with the most enthusiastic golfers to play against, no matter where you are on the globe....
Website: blog.odysseygolf.com |Brands like Odyssey
Popularity 1.8/10
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15
LIXADA
LIXADA creates beautiful lights for every occasion and space. It can be drab to have common lighting. Mix it up with the quality lights that LIXADA has to offer. LEDs and flashlights are also available on this site. LIXADA generally...
Website: lixada.com |Brands like LIXADA
Popularity 1.8/10
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16
Fitbikeco.
Fitbikeco. is a brand dealing in BMX bikes and components. It deals in frames, parts, and goods as well. It offers components such as forks, bars, stems, pedals, cranks, seatings, etc. Along with these, it deals in tees, outerwear, small...
Website: fitbikeco.com |Brands like Fitbikeco.
Popularity 1.8/10
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17
Cannondale
Cannondale began its story in 1971. This was when the world was interested in rapidly changing with innovations and a spirit of creativity. Cycling did not have much advancement, so they changed the way you look at cycling now. Cannondale...
Website: cannondale.com |Brands like Cannondale
Popularity 1.7/10
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18
Sturmey-Archer
For over 100 years, Sturmey-Archer has been the leading pioneer in designing internal gear hubs. With its long history of advanced research and development, the company has made products that are easy to use and safer than other products on...
Website: sturmey-archer.com |Brands like Sturmey-Archer
Popularity 1.7/10
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19
Wald
If you are looking for premium quality bike parts, then Wald Sports might help. With an experience of successfully running for over 100 years, the brand is known for its highly functioning and durable bike parts and accessories. Wald has...
Website: waldsports.com |Brands like Wald
Popularity 1.7/10
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20
Continental
Continental started its journey back in 1871. The 150 years of experience they have gathered under their belt is no joke. It is always essential to keep moving forward, and tires help you do so. In a car, you have...
Website: continental-tires.com |Brands like Continental
Popularity 1.5/10
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21
Stronglight
Stronglight is one of the leading manufacturers of sporting goods. It provides various categories of products that works functionally well. The team of engineers focuses attentively on the designs and creativity of the products. Their product line consists of headsets,...
Website: stronglight.com |Brands like Stronglight
Popularity 1.5/10
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22
OFMEGA
OFMEGA is an Italian company that has been producing bicycle parts for the last fifty years and is now considered a revered market leader in its domain. They have strived to reach and maintain ISO standards and have achieved a...
Website: ofmega.com |Brands like OFMEGA
Popularity 1.5/10
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23
Bike-Parts
Bikeparts.com is the leading online cycling parts, accessories, and clothing supplier. Hundreds of manufacturers, like Shimano, SRAM, Avid, Kenda Tires, and others, have thousands of goods in stock. Their mission is to deliver the greatest service and choices to their...
Website: bikeparts.com |Brands like Bike-Parts
Popularity 1.4/10
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24
Red Line
Red Line manufactures unique BMX race and freestyle bikes and hardware spare parts. The huge motorcycles have an excellent selection of vehicles with tektro mechanical disc brakes and those extremely fat 3-inch wide tires. All bikes to make it appear...
Website: redlinebicycles.com |Brands like Red Line
Popularity 1.2/10
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25
Miche
MICHE is a renowned Italian manufacturer of bicycle and motorcycle tires. They mix enthusiasm with innovation and tradition to provide safe, dependable, and excellent quality. Its products are chosen by professionals who know what they need to push their limits...
Website: miche.it |Brands like Miche
Popularity 1.2/10
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26
Diamondback
Diamondback is a well-known bicycle manufacturer that uses only the best materials in its creations. Their goal is always to provide you with the best quality bicycles. Diamondback's objective is to provide all riders with the most innovative designs, quality,...
Website: diamondback.com |Brands like Diamondback
Popularity 1.2/10
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27
Acor
Acor is a sporting equipment manufacturing firm that uses cutting-edge technology to create the most durable, appealing, and original designs. They have hubs, chains for cycles and bikes, headsets, brakes, and bike disc rotors. It sells accessories such as purses,...
Website: acorsports.com |Brands like Acor
Popularity 1.2/10
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28
SUBROSA
Subrosa is a reputable manufacturer and a landmark in the bike industry. Starting out in 2006 as a collaborative firm, the company soon grew into the well-known brand it is now. Aiming to curate innovative and stylish bikes that operate...
Website: subrosabrand.com |Brands like SUBROSA
Popularity 1.2/10
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29
XLC
XLC believes that biking cannot be described as a sport; it is a lifestyle. The brand offers everything you require in every area of biking. It ensures that you are uninhibited on your bike and can be as carefree, safe,...
Website: xlc-parts.com |Brands like XLC
Popularity 1.2/10
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30
Brompton
Brompton is a UK-based company that manufactures innovative folding bikes. The engineers here create unique and effective cycles with a contemporary touch. The company developed its first three-part folded bike in 1975. More, they believe in sustainable and accountable production....
Website: us.brompton.com |Brands like Brompton
Popularity 1.2/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano | shimano-steps.com | /ShimanoEbike | shimanoebike | – | – |
| SRAM | sram.com | – | – | – | – |
| FSA | fsaproshop.com | /Fullspeedahead | fsa_mtb | @visionmy | FullSpeedAheadTV |
| Campagnolo | campagnolo.com | /CampagnoloOfficial | campagnolosrl | @campagnolosrl | CampagnoloSrl |
| Raleigh | raleighusa.com | /RaleighBicycles | RaleighBicycles | @RaleighBicycles | Raleigh Bicycles |
| Suntour | srsuntour.com | /srsuntour | srsuntour_inc | – | SR Suntour Inc. |
| Sugino | suginoltd.co.jp | – | – | – | – |
| Sunlite | sunlite.bike | – | – | – | – |
| Race Face | raceface.com | /RacefacePerformance | raceface | @raceface604 | Race Face MTB |
| KHE | khebikes.com | /KHEbikes | khe_bikes | @khebikes | KHEbikes |
Bike Crank Buying Guide
When it comes to upgrading your bike or building a new one, the crankset is an essential component to consider. Bike cranks transfer power from your legs to the chain and ultimately move the bike forward. They come in various shapes, sizes, materials, and configurations, which can be overwhelming for those who are new to cycling. This bike crank buying guide aims to provide you with the necessary information to find the right crank for your riding style and budget.
Crankset Basics
The crankset consists of two main components: the crank arms and the chainrings. The crank arms attach to the bottom bracket spindle, which is connected to the bike frame. The chainrings are attached to the crank arms and are responsible for transferring power to the chain. The number of chainrings and the size of the teeth affect the gear ratio and directly impact how the bike rides. Generally, bikes come with either a single, double, or triple chainring configuration, with the latter being less common nowadays.
Types of Cranksets
There are three types of cranksets: traditional, compact, and ultra-compact. Each type has its pros and cons and is suitable for specific riding disciplines.
Traditional Cranksets
Traditional cranksets typically come with a double chainring configuration, with sizes ranging from 39/53 to 42/52 teeth. They are best suited for riders who prioritize top-end speed and power, such as road racers and time trialists.
Compact Cranksets
Compact cranksets were introduced in the early 2000s as a solution to the steep climbs that are common in many parts of the world. They feature a smaller inner chainring, typically 34 or 36 teeth, which allows riders to spin at a higher cadence and climb easier. The outer chainring usually has 50 or 52 teeth, which provide a decent top-end speed. Compact cranksets are popular among endurance road cyclists and cyclocross racers.
Ultra-Compact Cranksets
Ultra-compact cranksets are relatively new and feature even smaller chainring sizes than compact cranksets. The inner chainring typically has 30 or 32 teeth, while the outer chainring ranges from 46 to 52 teeth. They offer the lowest gearing available, making them an ideal choice for steep climbs or heavy touring. Ultra-compact cranksets are also popular among gravel and adventure cyclists who frequently encounter off-road terrain and unpaved roads.
Crank Arm Length
The length of the crank arms affects how quickly and smoothly the pedals turn. Traditionally, road bikes come with 170mm or 172.5mm crank arms, while mountain bikes range from 165mm to 175mm. However, crank arm length is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and riders should consider their height, leg length, and riding style. As a rule of thumb, shorter riders and those who prioritize acceleration and speed should opt for shorter crank arms, while taller riders and those who value endurance and comfort should opt for longer crank arms. It's worth noting that changing the crank arm length may affect your bike's handling and should be done in tandem with changes to other components, such as the stem and handlebars.
Bottom Bracket Compatibility
The bottom bracket is the axle that attaches the crankset to the frame. There are different types of bottom brackets, each with its set of standards and compatibility. The most common types are square-taper, cartridge, external, and press-fit.
Square-Taper Bottom Brackets
Square-taper bottom brackets were the standard for many years and are still used on some bikes. They consist of a spindle that goes through the bottom bracket shell and two square-tapered ends that attach the crank arms. They are relatively cheap but have limited compatibility and require frequent maintenance.
Cartridge Bottom Brackets
Cartridge bottom brackets are an evolution of square-taper bottom brackets and consist of a sealed unit that houses the bearings and spindle. They are more expensive than square-taper bottom brackets but require less maintenance and provide smoother operation.
External Bottom Brackets
External bottom brackets were introduced in the early 2000s and feature separate cups that thread into the bottom bracket shell and a spindle that attaches the crank arms. They provide better stiffness and compatibility, but are more expensive than square-taper and cartridge bottom brackets.
Press-Fit Bottom Brackets
Press-fit bottom brackets are relatively new and use a tight-fitting bearing system that presses into the bottom bracket shell. They are lighter than external bottom brackets and provide better compatibility and stiffness. However, they require special tools and can be challenging to install and remove.
Crankset Materials
Cranksets can be made from various materials, each with its set of advantages and disadvantages.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most common material used in cranksets due to its strength, stiffness, and affordability. Aluminum cranks are relatively lightweight and provide good power transfer. However, they can be prone to flexing and wear, and have a limited lifespan.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber cranks are becoming more popular due to their lightweight, stiffness, and aesthetic appeal. They provide smooth power transfer and excellent durability. However, they are significantly more expensive than aluminum cranks and require more careful handling and maintenance.
Steel
Steel cranks are less common but offer excellent durability and stiffness. They are relatively heavy but have a long lifespan and can absorb shock and vibration better than aluminum and carbon fiber cranks. Steel cranks are best suited for touring and commuting bikes.
Crankset Q-Factor
The Q-factor is the horizontal distance between the pedals when mounted on the bike. A wider Q-factor can improve stability and balance but may cause discomfort and inefficiency for some riders. A narrower Q-factor can provide better pedaling efficiency but may cause knee stress and discomfort. A suitable Q-factor depends on the rider's hip width and riding style. Riders who prioritize stability and balance should opt for a wider Q-factor, while those who value pedaling efficiency should opt for a narrower Q-factor.
Conclusion
Choosing the right crankset for your bike can make a significant difference in your performance and riding experience. Consider your riding style, terrain, and budget when selecting a crankset. We hope this bike crank buying guide has provided you with the necessary information to make an informed decision and enjoy your ride even more.
