| The Crankset is the key bicycle part that converts | | | | NOT all the same diameter or threaded with the same |
| human physical motion into the rotational power you | | | | tpi (teeth per inch) thus it is important to get the right |
| need to get your bicycle moving. Your success and | | | | match. It is not really part of the chainset, but you must |
| enjoyment will be a function of its performance. To | | | | know its specifications in order to replace any |
| upgrade or maintain you first need to know what goes | | | | components. |
| into making a great crankset; cranks, spiders, chainring, | | | | Bottom Bracket Assembly: This bicycle part comes in |
| shell, bottom bracket and spindle each have a roll to | | | | numerous combinations and configurations, but |
| play. Here's a bit of terminology to get you going. | | | | essential includes the drive spindle, a set of bearings |
| Cranks Arms: These are the essential arms | | | | and cups that thread into the shell to hold all of these |
| connecting the bicycle pedals to the spindle or axle. | | | | parts in place. This assembly allows the pedals to |
| The left hand bike crank is typically bolted to the end | | | | freely rotate and put power to the chain. |
| of the spindle. The right crank arm can be attached in | | | | Spindle: The last piece of the puzzle is the drive axle. It |
| a similar fashion, but quite often today is permanently | | | | comes in a number of different configurations |
| mounted to the drive-side spindle and spider. | | | | depending on the attachment link between crank and |
| Buy cheap if you are a casual road rider but if your | | | | spindle. It may or may not come independent of the |
| passion in life is jumping curbs and bunny hoping up the | | | | bearing assembly. In two piece cranksets is attached |
| steps, the impact on reconnecting with the pavement | | | | to the right crank arm. The bottom bracket bearings |
| will exert huge forces on the pedal-crank and | | | | and cups are sold separately to match spindle |
| crank-spindle interface, so invest in quality arms. | | | | diameter and length. |
| Spider: These are the star shaped arms that radiant | | | | Where buying a complete crankset becomes |
| out from the right crank to hold the front sprockets or | | | | confusing is that these key 7 pieces (2 cranks, spider, |
| "chainring." | | | | chainrings, spindle, retaining cups and bearings) are not |
| Chainring: A fancy name for the front sprockets. | | | | always sold in the same way or have one set of |
| Different manufacturers, just like cars, design them | | | | sizes. |
| with various bolt patterns so it is essential to identify | | | | It is essential to know what specifications are |
| what specifically will work with your | | | | necessary so repairs and upgrades can add speed |
| crankarm-spider-spindle combination and front derailleur. | | | | and reliability to your riding experience. Read further on |
| Bottom Bracket Shell: This is the tube welded to the | | | | website for information and lots of pictures that will |
| lowest point of your bicycle frame designed to accept | | | | add clarity to this article. Find out what you need to |
| a set of bearings and the main spindle (bottom bracket | | | | know and why and how bicycle parts suppliers and |
| assembly). It is typically threaded to accept the bottom | | | | manufacturers continue to tweak their crankset |
| bracket assembly. English, French and Italian bikes are | | | | designs for weight, durability and speed gains. |