Crankset

Encyclopedia : C : CR : CRA : Crankset

A Shimano Deore crankset, drive-side showing crankarm, spider, three chainrings and chainring guard

The crankset is the component of a bicycle drivetrain that converts the reciprocating motion of the rider's legs into rotational motion used to drive the chain, which in turn drives the rear wheel. It consists of one or more chainrings attached to the crankarms. It is connected to the rider by the pedals, to the bicycle frame by the bottom bracket, and to the rear sprocket, cassette or freewheel via the chain.

On older styles the spider—the multi-armed piece that connects the chainring to the bottom bracket axle—was a separate piece from the crankarm. Modern drive-side crankarms have an integrated spider. Cheaper cranksets may have the chainrings welded or riveted directly to the crankarm. Older crankarms used a cotter pin for attachment to the bottom bracket. Newer arms attach to a square or splined bottom bracket axle and are held in place by a bolt installed into the shaft of the bottom bracket.

A Shimano chainring, detached from crankset

See also

• bicycle gearing

References

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