Shimano FC-CX50 Cyclocross 10-speed 2-Piece Design Chainset

What are cranks and chainsets?

The cranks are the part of your bike that your pedals attach to, which turn and drive the chain of your bike. The chainset includes the cranks, front chainrings, the axle that joins them and sometimes the bottom bracket they pass through.

Who needs cranks and chainsets?

Every bike has them, so if yours are worn out, broken or in need of an upgrade, you need them.

What are the choices?

Chainsets are available as single, double (often called compact) or triple ring, in road or mountain bike versions. You should choose based on the type of gearing you need on your bike.

What should I buy with them?

If you’re having a major change of chainset, you may also need to upgrade other drivetrain parts, including front derailleur, rear derailleur, cassette and chain, as these parts work together and need to be compatible.

Anything else?

Chainsets will need a specific type of bottom bracket, which often, but not always, will be included. This means you also need to make sure your bottom bracket is compatible with your frame.

See our Chainset guide for more.