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
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.
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.
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!
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.
Thunderbolt cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm
- Weight: 1 lb 11.8 oz
- Price: $199.99 (may vary)
8. Cult Hawk
The widely popular Chase Hawk‘s signature cranks come in three sizes and two color options. Thet have a 22mm hollow spindle and are heat-treated out of 4130 chromoly.
Hawk’s have custom forged tubing with spindle gussets that wrap around for a boost in strength. Also, they are 100% RHD and LHD drive compatible.
Cult Hawk cranks have a unique look to them, ensuring the highest quality you deserve!
Hawk cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 32.8 oz
- Price: $169.99 (may vary)
9. BSD Substance XL
The Substance XL V2 cranks are a 2.5 piece crank from BSD that have a 24mm spindle size. These cranks have a 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 2.5 piece design means that these cranks use a single bolt to tighten, but they are still compatible with right- and left-hand drive.
Substance XL cranks also come with a 24mm mid-bottom bracket that you will need to install on your bike.
Substance XL cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 24mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Price: $199.99 (may vary)
10. Primo Stevie Cranks
These are the Stevie Churchill signature Primo cranks that are meant to be extremely strong.
We all know that Stevie’s riding can get really burly, so that’s why he wanted to create cranks that could handle any abuse.
The cranks come with a 24mm hollow spindle and hollow bolts to reduce the weight.
Stevie cranks are fully compatible with RHD and LHD. What’s also cool is that you get Primo’s Mid BB included in the package.
These are great for all-terrain with a focus on street riding.
Stevie cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 24mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 2.07 lbs
- Price: $211.00 (may vary)
11. Fiend Team Cranks
Instead of going with a 3-pc or a 2-pc design, Fiend dudes opted for a 2.5-pc version. This allows for a straightforward installation.
Cranks arms and spindle are only two parts instead of three that you put together by tightening only one side. Each arm has an internal wedge system for effortless assemblage.
The crank spindle is hollow and 22mm with 48 splines. The Team cranks are also 100% compatible with right or left hand drive.
Garrett Reynolds rides these, so you know they are meant to last.
Team cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 2.15 lbs
- Price: $164.95 (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.
