Looking for cranks that can take full-on street abuse and still feel smooth, tight, and built like a tank? The BSD Substance XL V2 cranks might be exactly what your setup needs.
BSD didn’t just tweak the original Substance cranks.
Instead, they rebuilt them to meet modern street riding head-on.
Of course, these are also park and trail approved, but built with street shredders in mind.
This second version brings a serious dose of refinement.
It has all the strength and stiffness you expect from BSD, plus subtle but important upgrades like ankle-saving flush bosses and expanded size options.
Substance cranks are engineered with heavy-duty chromoly, shaped for max grind stability, and packed with details that just make sense for riders who are out in the streets every day.
If you’re into trusting your setup under pressure (who isn’t?!), this is what that looks like.
They’re clean. They’re smart. They’re as burly as they come.
Here’s why the Substance XL V2s should be on your radar.
BSD Substance XL V2 Cranks Review
1. Key Features Of The BSD Substance XL V2 Cranks
BSD didn’t just crank up the strength.
They reimagined what a street-proof BMX crankset should be.
The Substance XL V2 packs in years of rider-tested evolution, with features designed to take on ledges, rails, burly stunts, and heavy landings without flinching.
- Heat-treated 4130 chromoly rectangular arms for strength and stiffness
- Flush invest cast pedal bosses eliminate sharp edges for ankle protection
- 24mm hollow chromoly spindle (stronger without added weight)
- Clean BSD laser logos for that understated look
- Available in 160, 165, 170, and 175mm lengths
- Includes BSD 24mm mid bottom bracket for free and an installation tool
2. BSD Substance XL V2 Cranks Specifications
All the innovative design in the world means nothing without numbers to back it up.
And the Substance XL V2 has the specs to prove it.
Every dimension, material choice, and little spec here is built to hold up and stay tight under real-world shredding.
- Length: 160mm, 165mm, 170mm, 175mm
- Spindle: 24mm hollow chromoly
- Spindle bolts: 18 x 1mm
- Spindle splines: 48
- Drive side compatibility: Left & Right (LHD/RHD)
- Sprocket bolt: 10 x 1.5mm
- Color: Flat Black, Flat Raw
- Weight: 30.4 oz / 861.8 g (without BB)
- Price: $199.99
3. How The Substance XL V2 Cranks Ride
The ride feel is all about tight control, real power transfer, and smooth follow-through.
Every pedal stroke on these cranks feels direct – no lag, no weird flex.
Just a stiff connection that makes heavy landings feel clean and crank arm grinds feel locked-in.
The rectangular profile doesn’t just add strength, it gives you a stable platform that feels dependable in every situation.
And the flush invest cast boss design? It’s a game-changer if you’ve ever caught your ankle mid-line. And who hasn’t?
In fact, it’s because these little ankle-hits-into-cranks why I wear ankle guards – otherwise, hitting my cranks with my ankles annoys me SO MUCH.
But the BSD cranks eliminate a lot of that “annoyance” even without the ankle guards.
Moreover, the included mid bottom bracket keeps the setup simple and stress-free, and the 24mm hollow spindle saves weight without making the setup feel fragile or sketchy.
Last but not least, I’m so stoked that BSD finally made these epic cranks in 160mm!
For all these years, the shortest option was 165mm, but now, it’s also available in 160mm. (See the benefits of short BMX cranks.)
Thanks, BSD!
If you’re into responsive setups that ride smooth under INSANE pressure and stay silent no matter how hard you push them, the Substance XL V2s deliver exactly that.
Pros that ride the BSD Substance XL V2 cranks: Denim Cox, Alex Donnachie, Kriss Kyle.
GET YOUR BSD SUBSTANCE XL CRANKS NOW4. Real Rider Feedback
- “Crank arm grinds feel buttery on these. Super stable and stiff.” – Greg M.
- “Best ankle-friendly cranks I’ve ridden in years.” – Darryl H.
- “Been riding the 160mm version. So hyped BSD finally dropped these shorter sizes.” – Jonah V.
- “Clean install, strong feel, and they still look good after months of abuse.” – Leo W.
5. Potential Cons Of The Substance XL V2 Cranks
- Only works with 24mm setups (but you get the BB included, so no compatibility issues here)
- No color options beyond flat black and raw (sure, chrome version would be epic, but seriously, black and raw are TOO RAD!)
Conclusion: Are The BSD Substance XL V2 Cranks Worth It?
If your riding is street-heavy, your expectations are high, and your tolerance for ankle bruises is low – then the BSD Substance XL V2 cranks are an EASY YES.
These cranks aren’t here to be flashy.
They’re here to be functional.
Everything from the rectangular tubing to the flush pedal boss design screams purpose-built toughness.
Love. It.
BSD knew exactly what riders needed – stiffness that holds up through crank arm grinds, clean power transfer on every pedal, and thoughtful ankle protection that actually makes a difference. And massive drops? These handle them with EASE.
Okay, let’s not forget how much of a win it is to see 160mm as a stock option.
If you like your feet closer together like me, that attention to sizing is a game-changer.
The BSD Substance XL cranks are about trust. Consistency.
These will stay tight and strong even after months of hard landings and dirty rails.
If you want a crankset that’s made for riders who ride hard and expect their gear to hold up without excuses – THIS is it.
The Substance XL cranks are built to go the distance.
GET YOUR BSD SUBSTANCE XL CRANKS NOWRelated BMX cranks ready for serious street abuse:
