Which BMX cranks to pick?
I’ve been in the same situation as you are multiple times.
Jumping from an online store to an online store is quite hard work.
Thus I decided to create a collection of the best cranks in one location.
You can now quickly skim through, compare them and make the right decision.
You’re welcome!
This post covers:
I also added prices for all cranks, but more often then not, you can get them with a discount.
Crank. It.
Hint: You may also need BMX ankle braces to prevent injuries (especially when learning tailwhips!). Or a new BMX sprocket?
Best BMX Cranks & Cranksets
I also have a guide that’ll help you pick the right BMX crank size.
1. Subrosa Rose
The Subrosa Rose cranks are a simple and straight-to-the-point cranks from Subrosa that feature a 19mm spindle with 6mm allen bolts.
The cranks have CNC’d spindle bosses and oversized welds with them also being “Death Proof-Post Weld Heat-Treated”.
One perk of these cranks is that the bottom bracket and bottom bracket spacer/cone spacers are included with their purchase.
Jiri Blabol and Bjarki Hardarson run Rose cranks.
Rose cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 19mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 31.4 oz
- Price: $169.99 (may vary)
2. Sunday Saker
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.
Saker cranks specs:
- Length: 155mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 19mm – 8 Spline
- Weight: 32.80oz without bottom bracket
- Price: $79.99 (may vary)
3. Profile Racing No Boss
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.
No Boss cranks specs:
- Length: 125mm, 160mm, 170mm, 175mm, 177mm, 180mm, 182mm, 185mm
- Spindle Size: 19mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 19.75 oz / 175mm Crank Arms only
- Price: $195.99 (may vary)
4. Rant Bangin’ 48 Cranks
Guys over at Rant are known for creating reliable and affordable products; the same goes for their Banging’ cranks.
They are a traditional 3-piece crank with a 19mm 48 spline spindle. (You may also be interested in knowing what are the different BMX crank types.)
The cranks may be slightly heavier than a higher-priced alternative (not in all cases), but you’ll barely notice it. Hey, that’s why the price tag on these is so low.
Crank arms and spindle are Chromoly and heat-treated to ensure excellent strength when upgrading your crankset.
Bangin cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 19mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 2.15 lbs
- Price: $103.99 (may vary)
5. 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.
Brace cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 2.09 lbs
- Price: $179.99 (may vary)
6. Salt Pro
The Salt Pro 48 spline cranks are an affordable option for those looking for 48 spline cranks on a budget.
These BMX cranks have a retail price of around $120. They have a 19mm chromoly 48 spline spindle and come with a 19mm mid-bottom bracket.
These cranks are right or left hand drive compatible and come in three different length options from 165mm to 175mm.
These could be worth looking into as a budget option for crank arms.
Salt Pro cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 19mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 31.32 oz
- Price: $109.99 (may vary)
7. Odyssey Thunderbolt
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.
Thunderbolt cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm
- Weight: 1 lb 11.8 oz
- Price: $199.99 (may vary)
8. Mission Transit
The widely popular and extremely affordable Mission Transit cranks come in three sizes, 165mm, 170mm and 175mm. They have a 19mm spindle and are heat-treated out of 4130 chromoly.
Transit’s have a single pinch bolt design and wrap-welded pedal bosses to ensure additional strength. Also, they are 100% RHD and LHD drive compatible.
Mission Transit cranks have a classic look and are one of the cheapest options you can currently get in the market. These are a great upgrade to a beginner-range complete bike.
Transit cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 19mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 36 oz
- Price: $59.99 (may vary)
9. Fit Bike Co. Blunt
The Blunt cranks are 3-piece cranks from Fit that have a 24mm hollow spindle size. These cranks have a more rectangular shape and are made from heat-treated 4130 chromoly.
They have an investment cast boss design that is made to be as flush as possible.
Being a 3-piece design means that assembling these cranks will be a piece of cake. Remember, they are fully compatible with right- and left-hand drive.
Blunt cranks also come with a 24mm mid-bottom bracket that you will need to install on your bike. BB usually doesn’t come with cranks so big UPS to Fit!
Ethan Corriere rides the Blunts cranks, perfect for his insane crank arm grinds.
Blunt XL cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 24mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 34.8 oz
- Price: $189.99 (may vary)
10. 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.
Calibur cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 30.4 oz
- Price: $169.99 (may vary)
11. Merritt Battle
The Merritt Battle are meant to handle any abuse you will put them through. They are a solid three-piece crank set with four lengths, so you can easily find the right one for your riding style.
The crank spindle is hollow and 22mm with 48 splines. The Battle cranks are also 100% compatible with right or left hand drive.
What differentiates Battle cranks from the rest are angle cut spindle bosses with hard rubber plugs for an ankle bone-friendly design.
Dan Kruk rides these, so you know they are meant to last.
Battle cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 33.8 oz
- Price: $184.99 (may vary)
Do you need more parts?
Check out my other product roundups:
- 20+ BMX Street Frames
- 14+ Front Load Stems
- 15+ 4 Piece Bars
- 16+ 10 Inch BMX Bars
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 BMX crank length do I need?
It all depends on your riding style, but the most common lengths are 170mm and 175mm. However, if you do a lot of (technical) street riding, I recommend picking 160mm or 165mm.
