Which strongest BMX cranks to pick?
I’ve been in the same situation as you are multiple times.
Jumping from one online store to another is quite hard work.
Thus, I decided to create a collection of the best BMX bike cranks in one location.
You can now quickly skim through, compare them and make the right decision.
All these cranks have been tested and approved, ensuring you’re getting the absolutely best that are currently available on the market.
You’re welcome!
I also added prices for all cranks, but more often than not, you can get them with a discount.
Crank. It.
This post covers:
Hint: You may also need BMX ankle braces to prevent injuries (especially when learning tailwhips!). Or a new BMX sprocket?
Best, Strongest BMX Cranks & Cranksets
I also have a guide that’ll help you pick the right BMX crank size.
1. Kink Brace Cranks
Kink’s Brace cranks are many pros’ favorite sets because of their different length options and solid build.
The three-piece design features a hollow 22mm spindle with 3/8th ratchet bolts to tighten the cranks (which isn’t too common).
Kink also put extra thought into designing Brace cranks to be ankle-friendly. They achieved this by making larger radiuses on the spindle bosses.
If you need a pair of cranks that will last you a long time – go Brace!
You will see Anthony Perrin ride Kink’s Brace cranks.
Note: Check out my full Kink Brace cranks review.
Kink Brace cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 33.4 oz / 946.9 g
- Price: $169.99 (may vary)
2. Odyssey Thunderbolt (Light Option)
Here we have the legendary Thunderbolt cranks from Odyssey. These cranks are the current iteration starting with the original Twombolt cranks years ago.
These are a two-piece crank design meaning that the spindle is welded on one side and there is only one bolt needed to tighten the crankset.
A unique aspect of these cranks is the tightening system on the non-drive side.
The Thunderbolt cranks utilize a wedge cluster system that has triangle wedges.
These wedges work in conjunction with the angled portion of the spindle to tighten which Odyssey labels as a “Never-Wobble” interface.
These cranks go through the 41-Thermal heat-treating process and offer a full lifetime replacement warranty.
For your information, Brett Silva, Jacob Cable and Broc Raiford are all fans of Thunderbolts.
Note: Check out my full Odyssey Thunderbolt cranks review.
Are you weight-conscious? Then check out one of the lightest BMX cranks, the Colony Venator cranks.
Odyssey Thunderbolt cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm
- Weight: 27.8 oz / 788.1 g
- Price: $249.99 (may vary)
3. Cult Hawk V2 Cranks
The Cult Chase Hawk cranks are built for riders who demand peak performance and durability.
Made from fully heat-treated 4130 chromoly, these cranks are engineered to handle any abuse.
The investment cast oversized spindle bosses and wraparound spindle gusset add serious strength and rigidity, ensuring they hold up under heavy use.
With a 22mm hollow chromoly spindle and hollow spindle bolts, the Hawk cranks keep the weight low without compromising toughness.
They’re compatible with both RHD and LHD setups, as well as regular and nano drives, giving you ultimate versatility.
These cranks are a solid, worry-free upgrade for any BMX rider.
Note: Check out my full Cult Hawk cranks review.
Cult Hawk cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 32.5 oz / 921.4 g without bottom bracket
- Price: $169.99 (may vary)
4. Primo Powerbite 3-Piece V3 Cranks
The Primo Powerbite V3 cranks are a classic that’s stood the test of time, now refined for modern shredding.
Built from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum, they deliver a rare mix of strength and lighter weight, backed by a 22mm hollow chromoly spindle for stiffness.
The square spindle interface, heat-treated chromoly pinch bolts, and pressed-in steel pedal inserts keep everything tight and prevent stripped threads.
Their 3-piece design is simple to install, and Primo even includes a grease packet to help you get set up right.
With RHD/LHD compatibility and a clean, recessed logo finish, they offer durability and style for street, park, and trail riders alike.
While aluminum arms aren’t ideal for crank arm grinds on steel rails, they excel in all-around riding where responsiveness and reliability matter most.
These cranks are a proven upgrade for anyone wanting long-term performance without gimmicks.
Note: Here’s my Primo Powerbite cranks review to learn all the ins and outs.
Primo Powerbite cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm hollow chromoly (square interface)
- Weight: 34.1 oz / 966.7 g (165mm)
- Price: $164.00 (may vary)
5. Shadow Finest Cranks
The Shadow Conspiracy Finest cranks combine strength, comfort, and minimalist design in a package built for dedicated riders.
With a unique flat-sided, rounded-top arm shape and reduced offset, they keep your stance more centered for better balance and improved control.
Post-weld heat-treated 4130 chromoly arms, oversized welds, and a hollow 22mm spindle deliver next-level solidity without unnecessary extra weight.
The ankle-friendly profile means fewer knocks mid-line (those suck big times!), and the neat design keeps your bike looking clean.
Compatible with both RHD and LHD setups, the Finest cranks are available in multiple lengths to match any style of riding.
Trusted by pros like Trey Jones and Matt Ray, these cranks are built to feel natural underfoot while holding up to heavy sessions.
Note: Learn more about these through my Shadow Finest cranks review.
Shadow Finest cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm hollow chromoly (48-spline)
- Weight: 32.1 oz / 910 g (170 mm)
- Price: $234.99 (may vary)
6. Odyssey Calibur
The Odyssey Calibur cranks come with a 22mm hollow spindle (48 spline) and hollow bolts to reduce the weight. But the axle being hollow means it’s even stronger than a full one.
Calibur cranks are fully compatible with RHD and LHD and guarantee a tested and proven EXTREME strength.
These are great for all-terrain with a focus on street riding.
One of the dudes that rides the Calibur cranks is Boyd Hilder.
Note: Check out my full Odyssey Calibur cranks review.
Odyssey Calibur cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 30.4 oz / 861.8 g
- Price: $179.99 (may vary)
7. Sunday Saker (Cheap BMX Cranks)
The Sunday Saker V2 cranks are an affordable crank option from Sunday that come in a few different length options.
These cranks are RHD or LHD compatible and have a single pinch bolt design.
They are a 19mm design which also has an 8 spline spindle.
The Saker cranks are available in length options from 155mm to 175mm and also come with a 19mm mid bottom bracket.
Coming in at a retail price of $79.99, these cranks are definitely affordable.
Note: Check out my full Sunday Saker cranks review.
Sunday Saker cranks specs:
- Length: 155mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 19mm – 8 Spline
- Weight: 32.8 oz / 929.9 g without bottom bracket
- Price: $84.99 (may vary)
8. BSD Substance XL V2 Cranks
The BSD Substance XL V2 cranks are built for riders who go big and need their setup to handle serious abuse.
These 2.5-piece cranks combine heat-treated rectangular chromoly arms with a 24mm hollow chromoly spindle, giving you a strong yet light design that’s ready for anything.
Yes, ANYTHING!
What’s cool is the invest cast boss design – it sits flush with the crank arm, so no more sharp edges to bang your ankles on.
Moreover, they’re compatible with RHD and LHD, and even come with a BSD Mid 24mm bottom bracket.
It’s rare that you get BB with your cranks, so props to BSD.
Strong, smooth, and rider-friendly – these cranks are a no-brainer for your next upgrade.
Don’t miss my extensive BSD Substance XL V2 cranks review.
BSD Substance cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm
- Spindle Size: 24mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 30.4 oz / 861.8 g without bottom bracket
- Price: $229.99 (may vary)
9. Kink Pillar Cranks
The Kink Pillar cranks are built for riders who want a strong setup without going full tank-mode on weight.
They’re a 2-piece design with tubular 4130 chromoly arms, and the standout is the one-piece forged backplate that ties the spindle and pedal bosses together for extra rigidity.
That design helps the cranks feel more solid when you’re landing sideways or stomping big drops.
The 22mm or 24mm hollow heat-treated chromoly spindle keeps things tough while still trimming weight where it matters.
Kink also uses a single hollow flush-mount spindle bolt, so the crank ends stay clean and less snaggy.
They’re TruTherm post-weld heat-treated, which is exactly what you want on cranks you plan to abuse.
You can run them RHD or LHD, and they come in 170mm or 175mm lengths to match your riding style.
For more ins and outs, check out my in-depth Kink Pillar cranks review.
Kink Pillar cranks specs:
- Length: 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm or 24mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 28.5 oz / 807.9 g (175mm)
- Price: $199.99 (may vary)
10. Fiend Team V2 Cranks
Fiend’s version two of the Team cranks is a tough 2-piece setup made for shredders who go HARD.
The left arm uses Fiend’s internal wedge system, which helps lock everything in tight and keeps the cranks feeling solid. It’s a smart little feature that makes it much easier to assemble and disassemble the cranks.
The arms are rectangular-shaped, so crank arm grinds feel more stable and predictable than with rounder profiles.
Moreover, they’re made from heat-treated chromoly, and the one-piece spindle + sprocket bosses add another layer of strength.
The 22mm hollow, 48-spline spindle helps keep weight down without killing durability.
You can run them both sides, and they come in various lengths to ensure you find exactly what works best for you.
Just note: the bottom bracket isn’t included, so you’ll need to grab one separately. (But that’s a common situation for most BMX cranks anyway.)
Hungry for more info? Read my Fiend Team cranks review.
Fiend Team cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 35.5 oz / 1,006.4 g
- Price: $209.99 (may vary)
11. Colony Venator Cranks
The Colony Venator cranks are a strong yet light 3-piece setup that works for both RHD and LHD.
They run a 22mm, 48-spline chromoly spindle, which is a sweet spot for freestyle durability.
Colony uses post heat-treated chromoly, plus tailored welding and square tubing to keep the arms stiff without making them feel like anchors.
The invest-casted pedal bosses get gussets too, which is exactly where you want extra support if you land hard or clip pedals.
One thing I really like is the size range: 124mm and 140mm for young shredders, and 165/170/175mm for full-size setups. Yup, something for everyone!
The 165mm version weighs about 25.1 oz, so it’s a nice pick if you care about weight but still want strength.
Note: I just don’t recommend these cranks for burly street riding.
You also get an install tool and a packet of grease, which is a small touch but super handy during setup.
If you want a dependable crankset that fits almost any build and doesn’t feel bulky, the Venators are a really safe bet.
Note: You can learn even more by reading my Colony Venator cranks review.
Colony Venator cranks specs:
- Length: 127mm, 140mm, 165mm, 170mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 25.1 oz / 711.6 g (165mm)
- Price: $244.99 (may vary)
12. Profile Racing No Boss (Lightest BMX Cranks)
Profile Racing Cranks have been a staple of the BMX industry for as long as many of us can remember.
The legacy of their cranks is part of why they are regarded as some of the best cranks in the BMX industry.
This particular option is the No Boss option; meaning that these are a spline drive only set. There are no bolt holes at all for sprocket installation at all.
These cranks have many options in crank arm size, axle length/material, and axle bolt material.
With these cranks, you can get titanium or chromoly spindles of different lengths as well as chromoly or titanium bolts.
Profile No Boss cranks specs:
- Length: 125mm, 160mm, 170mm, 175mm, 177mm, 180mm, 182mm, 185mm
- Spindle Size: 19mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 19.75 oz / 559.9 g (175mm crank arms only)
- Price: $282.99 (may vary)
Do you need more BMX parts?
Check out my other product roundups:
How To Make Your BMX Cranks Last Longer
BMX cranks are a critical component of your bike, and ensuring their longevity can save you money and prevent injury.
Here are six essential tips to make your BMX cranks last longer:
1. Proper Installation
Correct assembly: Make sure that the cranks are correctly assembled and aligned. Incorrect installation can lead to uneven wear and potential damage.
Some cranks come with the installation/removal tool – use it instead of hammering your cranks together, which can damage the spindle and crank arms.
If you don’t have the tool and plan to use a hammer, use some protection – don’t hammer directly on the spindle or crank arm.
2. Regular Inspection
Check for damage: Regularly inspect the cranks for any signs of damage, wear, or cracking, especially around the pedal and bottom bracket interfaces. (I once broke a crank arm just because I didn’t inspect it regularly.)
Check for looseness: Ensure that the cranks are not loose. A loose crank can lead to damage over time and can be dangerous. Thus, tighten bolts regularly if necessary (depending on how much you ride).
3. Keep It Clean
Clean regularly: Dirt, grime, and moisture can cause corrosion and wear. Clean the cranks regularly, especially after riding in wet or muddy conditions. (Also, store your bike in a dry place, preferably indoors, if possible.)
Dry after cleaning: Ensure the cranks are completely dry after cleaning to prevent rust, especially if they are made of steel.
4. Lubricate
Lubricate the spindle: Apply a small amount of grease to the spindle before installing the cranks. This helps to prevent seizing and ensures smooth operation.
Lubricate pedal threads: Apply grease to the pedal threads before installation to prevent them from seizing – but don’t add a ton.
5. Avoid Harsh Impacts
Smooth riding: Try to land smoothly and avoid harsh impacts that can bend or damage the cranks. Learning landing tricks more effortlessly will increase your overall bike’s lifespan.
Mind the grind: If you grind, be mindful of how you land to avoid putting undue stress on the cranks. For instance, if you’re doing crank arm grinds, try and avoid landing on the crank arm too harshly.
6. Regular Maintenance
Tighten bolts: Periodically check and tighten the crank bolts to ensure they are secure. Some cranks get loose quicker than others. I usually check my cranks every session.
Check chain tension: Ensure that your chain tension is not too tight, as this can put extra stress on the cranks and bottom bracket bearings.
By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your BMX cranks, ensuring they remain reliable and perform well ride after ride.
Regular maintenance and attention to detail are key in prolonging the lifespan of your bike components.
Speaking of which, have you checked my complete BMX bike maintenance guide?
FAQs About BMX Cranks
What crank length do I need?
Selecting the right BMX crank length depends on your riding style (also a personal preference). When it comes to modern street riding, it’s getting very common for riders to go for 160-170mm cranks.
But a 170-175mm may still be a better option for riding transitions and going fast.
Why are 3 piece cranks better?
A 3 piece crank is tougher and will last you a lot longer than a 1 piece crank. It has sealed bearings, which will protect it from dirt, plus, you can (usually) replace individual parts.
Another option is also a 2 piece crank, but I prefer 3 piece all day. However, a 2 piece crank is simpler to install, normally lighter and stiffer (with fewer options on the market).
What are the different types of BMX cranks?
There are mainly three types: 3-piece cranks, which are durable and common in freestyle BMX; 2-piece cranks, which have the spindle attached to one crank arm; and 1-piece cranks, often found in entry-level BMX bikes.
Are BMX cranks universal?
Not exactly. BMX cranks vary in spindle size (19mm, 22mm, 26mm), arm length (160mm, 165mm, 170mm …), and fit specific to the bottom bracket type of the bike. Ensure compatibility before purchasing.
How often should I replace my BMX cranks?
Replace them if you notice cracks, bends, or significant wear. With regular maintenance and depending on usage, cranks can last several years.
Can I install BMX cranks myself?
Yes, if you have the right tools and basic mechanical skills. However, proper installation is crucial for safety, so seek professional help if you’re unsure.
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Note: This article was originally published on October 19, 2021. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
