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)
You may also be interested in reading about the benefits of short BMX cranks.
GET YOURS2. 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: $164.99 (may vary)
3. 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)
4. 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.
Brace cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 2.09 lbs
- Price: $159.99 (may vary)
5. 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)
6. 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.
Note: Check out my full Odyssey Thunderbolt cranks review.
Thunderbolt cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm
- Weight: 1 lb 11.8 oz
- Price: $199.99 (may vary)
7. 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.
Calibur cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 30.4 oz
- Price: $169.99 (may vary)
8. 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)
9. 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.
Note: Check out my full Sunday Saker cranks review.
Saker cranks specs:
- Length: 155mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle Size: 19mm – 8 Spline
- Weight: 32.80oz without bottom bracket
- Price: $79.99 (may vary)
10. 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.
Substance cranks specs:
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm
- Spindle Size: 24mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 30.4oz without bottom bracket
- Price: $199.99 (may vary)
11. 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.
Hawk cranks specs:
- Length: 165mm, 170mm
- Spindle Size: 22mm – 48 Spline
- Weight: 32.5oz without bottom bracket
- Price: $169.99 (may vary)
Do you need more parts?
Check out my other product roundups:
How To Make Your 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 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.
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, arm length, 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.
::
Note: This article was originally published on October 19, 2021. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.
