Crank is that part of the bike that gets the least attention. Normally when a person purchases a BMX, he/she focus on the look, the handles, and pedals, among other things.
However, people forget that cranks determine the comfort level as they drive the entire BMX. Therefore, no matter how premium pedals you have or how beautiful the handle is, if the crank doesn’t have the right specification, all other features go to waste.
One reason for the lack of attention to the crank could be its technical reason that scares away the masses. However, the reality is that cranks are as easy to understand as the other parts of the bike.
In this guide, we have reviewed the top best BMX cranks of 2020 in the simplest possible language so that even a newbie doesn’t face problems incomprehension.
So let’s get started.
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List of Best BMX Cranks 2020
1. Origin8 Track/SS Crankset – Best Budget Crank
Origin 8 is one of the most inexpensive cranks in the market. This cheap BMX crank doesn’t compromise on the quality. The crank fits well on the bike and runs smoothly. The best part is that there isn’t any thread stripping issues. We call it the best feature because, considering the low cost, this is indeed an impressive feat by the brand.
The Origin 8 has a shiny surface, which gives it a premium and smooth look. You can peddle down the street without been frowned upon.
Features
- Dimensions of 4 x 4 x 12 inches
- Weight of 1.6 Pounds
- No chainring and bottom bracket
Pros
- The shiny body gives it a premium look
- Easy to install
Cons
- The left side of the crank is a bit weak
- Might not work well with steel pedals
2. CYSKY Crank Arm Set – Highly Durable Crank
If you love mountain biking, then you will love this BMX bike crank. It has high axial strength and hence is a highly durable product. And why it wouldn’t be. It is made specifically for the rigid mountain areas.
It would come as a surprise that despite being highly durable and rigid, the crank is lightweight. This is due to its aluminum body.
The arm length of the crank is 170mm with a crank related holes distance of 74mm. Consequently, the crank can easily be used as a single or double chain system. The CYSKY crankset comes with a lot of other tools that can be helpful in setting up the crank and maintaining it in the future.
For example, there is a bottom bracket, 4 pcs single chainring bolts, crankset bolt, one forged crank set, crank screw, and a bottom bracket. These tools are more than enough for all your needs, and you won’t feel the need to spend for additional tools for years to come.
Features
- Highly durable due to high axial strength
- Crank arm length of 170mm
- Weighs about 615 g
Pros
- Made with an aluminum alloy so lightweight
- Comes with all necessary tools
Cons
- Using the tools might be a bit of a hassle
- The crank bolt is not very solid
3. Litetop Bike Crank Arm Set – Best Premium Quality Crank
If budget is not the issue and you are willing to pay the premium for one of the highest quality cranks, the Litetop 104 BCD might impress you.
This crank can perform up to 700 miles tour, which is super amazing. The reason for this high quality is that the crank is made of premium aluminum alloy, which not only provides strength but also makes the crank lightweight.
The Litetop 104 BCD has high axial strength and compatibility. It has a stylish and flashy look, which adds flair to your BMX.
Now let’s talk about BMX crank size. As the name suggests, the Litetop has a BCD of 104 mm and a width of 68-73mm. The crank arm BMX is 175 mm, and the hole distance is 74 mm. The entire weight of the crank is 680 grams. This weight and dimension of the crank work together to provide the highest level of convenience to the BMX rider.
The crankset offers crank screw, crank set bolt Allen Wrench, 4 pcs Single Chainring Bolts, and a crank screw.
Features
- Made of premium Aluminum Alloy
- Crank Arm Length: 175mm, Crank related holes distance: 74mm.
- Weighs about 680 g
Pros
- Requires minimum maintenance
- High durability with a performance of over 700 miles
Cons
- The chainring is very tight
- The crank arm might develop dings over time
4. ODYSSEY Thunderbolt Crank – Easy to assemble the crank
The Odyssey Thunderbolt is made to last for a long time. The BMX bike crank is laboratory tested, so you can trust us when we say it has a long life. That is primarily due to the mating arm lug. Apart from the long life, the simplicity with which the crank can be assembled makes it an ideal choice.
This crank is an improved version of the earlier offerings of Odyssey and comes with an ultra hollow 22mm spindle that fits perfectly on the BMX. The weight of the crank is 788g, which is a bit more than what you would usually find in other cranks. But this isn’t something to be worried as it won’t impact the performance of the BMX.
The open-ended spindle cap of the BMX gives it a distinguishing look. The best part of the Odyssey Thunderbolt crank review is yet to come. It comes with a lifetime replacement warranty. However, this is only applicable for bending, breaking specs, and cracking. Still, this isn’t bad!
Features
- 175 mm arm length
- Weighs 788g
- Ultra Hollow 22m spindle
Pros
- Limited lifetime replacement warranty
- Fits perfectly on the BMX
Cons
- Available in a single color
- A bit heavier than other cranks
5. Sunday Saker V2 Crank – Best BMX Racing Crank
This Sunday Saker cranks review is especially for those people looking for a durable product, one they can trust for years to come. The long-life is due to chrome coating on the entire crank, including the spindle.
An interesting feature of these BMX bike cranks is their compatibility with the left and right sides. There is a mid bottom bracket which acts as a replacement if your crank is broken. However, don’t consider them a permanent replacement as the bracket is not very strong. It is made so that you get enough time to get your broken crank replaced.
The Sunday Saker V2 has 19mm Chromoly with 8 spindles. The crank has a single bolt design, which makes it easy to assemble. You don’t need to hire a specialist for this purpose.
In short, we can call the Sunday Saker V2 has one of the best BMX racing cranks due to its durability. Try it once. You won’t be disappointed.
Features
- Crank arm length of 155mm, 165mm, and 175mm
- 19mm bottom bracket included
- Comes with 8 spindles.
Pros
- Chrome coating makes it highly durable
- Mid bottom bracket acts as a replacement
Cons
- The chrome paint might fall off after excessive heavy usage
- The pedal strips are not very strong
6. Profile Racing Crankset
The Profile Racing crank is one of the best BMX bike cranks in the market as it is made for all kinds of surfaces. Whether you are riding on a smooth track or a rough terrain, the bike crank will handle everything. The smoothness of the bottom bracket bearing further aids in an effortless BMX ride.
The best part about the crank is that it has the option of keeping the bike at one speed, allowing you to paddle effortlessly and go on a long ride. It has a heat-treated Chromoly spindle, making it highly durable. This gives you another reason why the crank is best suited to withstand the wear and tear of rough terrain.
The Profile Racing Crank is bombproof, though you might not be needing this feature unless you plan to ride to the battlefield. However, this proves how much effort and energy the brand has put in the product.
Features
- Crank Arm Length of 175 mm
- Spindle weight of 245 grams
- Specially designed for rough surfaces
Pros
- Smooth bottom bracket aids in effortless peddling
- Crank is bombproof
Cons
- The crank arm is not comfortable
- Very heavy compared to other similar cranks
Buying Guide of Best BMX Cranks
The features of the BMX bike crank might seem a bit technical considering its parts and other features. Therefore, we have created this comprehensive guide to help you fully understand all aspects of the crank so that you can make an informed decision.
Different types of crank materials
A crank can be made from one of the five materials. They are regular steel, Chromoly Steel, Aluminum Alloy, Carbon Fibre, and Titanium. However, among all these materials, the Aluminum alloy is the most common of all.
The reason for the popularity of this material is that it provides strength and is a lightweight BMX crank.
3 piece crank vs. 1 piece crank
We discussed above how Aluminum is a common material used for a crank as it provides strength. Apart from the material, the type of crank also plays a role in how strong it will be.
For example, 3 pieces of cranks are stronger than 1 piece because they use good quality racing speed, bearings, and spindles, among other things. If you plan to use your bike on rough terrain, a 3 piece crank BMX will give you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What BMX crank size is the best for me?
A BMX crank length can vary between 140 to 190 mm. However, most cranks are in between the length of 170 to 175 mm and we recommend this length.
Which price crank is the best for me?
It all depends on your requirements. We have listed the budget as well as premium cranks along with their detailed features. We recommend going through all the details of the crank and select the best suited to your needs.
The prices start from as low as $35 for a 1 piece crank and can go up to $400 for 3 piece unit.
Does spindle diameter matter?
Yes, it does. It plays a crucial role in the performance of the BMX as well as comfort levels, so you should pay close attention to it.
A spindle typically starts from 19 mm and can go up to 24 mm. Large spindles are stiffer and lighter, making it easy to peddle. Smaller ones are a bit heavy but provide strength to the crank.
If you plan to use the BMX on a smooth surface, a large spindle would be more than enough and vice versa.
Verdict:
This was all about the top cranks of 2020 that are worth trying. The good thing is that the market is full of cranks with varying features. This means you can always find something that suits your needs.
We hope that our crank review and the buying guide will go a long way to ease your decision-making process. Have anything to share? Feel free to share it in the comments below.
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Hi, I’m Mike, working as a content strategist at BMX Brand Guide. I’m in love with BMX since childhood when my parents bought me a bicycle. Since then, I have been exploring them and is a first-hand witness of how BMX has evolved. I have been sharing my expertise and knowledge with the public through this site.