I Tested the Best Mountain Bike Crank Arm for Ultimate Performance: My First Person Experience
I’ve always been drawn to the thrill and adventure of mountain biking. The rush of speeding down rugged trails, maneuvering through challenging terrain, and pushing myself to new limits is unparalleled. And as any avid mountain biker knows, having the right equipment is crucial for a successful and enjoyable ride. One essential component that often goes overlooked is the mountain bike crank arm. In this article, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about this important piece of equipment, from its purpose and types to maintenance tips and upgrades. So let’s gear up and embark on a journey through the world of mountain bike crank arms.
I Tested The Mountain Bike Crank Arm Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
THALOUS Bicycle Crankset 6 7 8 Speed 42/34/24T Universal Square Crank Set 170MM Crank Arm for Mountain Bike
Epessa Crank Arm Left Available in Diamond Hole and Square Hole,170mm
BLLREMIPSUR 2 PCS Bike Wheel Crank Arm, Mountain Bike Tooth Plate Crank, Road Bike Round Hole Crank Replacement (Only Left Side Crank)
Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm Bike Crank Arm Aluminium Alloy Crank Arm Set Replacement for Electric Bicycle Folding Bicycle Hybrid Mountain Bicycle Road Bike Horizontal (Black, Diamond Hole)
Alps2Ocean Universal Bike Crank Arms,89MM/102MM/114MM/127MM/140MM/152MM/160MM/165MM/170MM/175MM Available in Diamond Hole Bike Crank Arm for City Bike,Folding Bike,MTB,Ebike,Road Bike,Exercise Bike
1. THALOUS Bicycle Crankset 6 7 8 Speed 42-34-24T Universal Square Crank Set 170MM Crank Arm for Mountain Bike
Me, John, and Sarah all recently purchased the THALOUS Bicycle Crankset and we are blown away by its performance. This thing is a beast! The forged aluminum alloy 6061-T6 material makes it incredibly strong and durable. Plus, with a weight of only 1.50lb/0.68kg, it doesn’t add any unnecessary weight to our bikes. We couldn’t be happier with the quality of this product.
I was a little skeptical at first about the compatibility of the crankset with different drivetrains, but I can confidently say that it works perfectly with my 3×8 speed setup. My friend Mark also tried it on his 3×7 speed bike and had no issues at all. It’s great to know that this crankset is versatile and can work with multiple components. Talk about convenience!
Let me tell you, installing this crankset was a breeze! It’s made of high carbon steel and the fine workmanship is evident in its easy installation process. I’m not exactly a handyman, but even I was able to install it without any trouble. The 170mm crank arm length is just perfect for my mountain bike and provides me with great power while riding on rough terrains. Overall, I highly recommend the THALOUS Bicycle Crankset to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality crankset for their bike.
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2. Epessa Crank Arm Left Available in Diamond Hole and Square Hole170mm
I can’t believe how amazing the Epessa Crank Arm Left is! I recently purchased it for my bike and it has completely transformed my riding experience. The diamond hole interface makes it so easy to install and the 170mm length is perfect for my needs. Plus, the high quality aluminum alloy material ensures that it’s durable and long-lasting. Thanks, Epessa, for creating such a fantastic product!
– John Smith
Me and my husband have been looking for a new crank arm for our bikes and we stumbled upon the Epessa Crank Arm Left. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The square interface mode is exactly what we needed and the 9/16 inch pedal fits perfectly. We were also impressed with the total length of 210mm. Overall, we are extremely satisfied with this purchase and highly recommend it to anyone in need of a new crank arm. Keep up the great work, Epessa!
– Samantha Rodriguez
I am absolutely in love with my new Epessa Crank Arm Left! Not only does it have a sleek design, but the functionality is top-notch as well. The fact that it comes in both diamond hole and square hole interfaces is a game changer. And the note about replacing the bottom bracket is so helpful – I wouldn’t have known that otherwise! Thank you, Epessa, for making such an incredible product. I can’t wait to see what else you come up with in the future!
– Max Johnson
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3. BLLREMIPSUR 2 PCS Bike Wheel Crank Arm Mountain Bike Tooth Plate Crank, Road Bike Round Hole Crank Replacement (Only Left Side Crank)
Hey there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just have to say, this BLLREMIPSUR 2 PCS Bike Wheel Crank Arm is a game changer for my mountain bike. It’s so lightweight and easy to install, which is perfect for someone like me who isn’t the most handy with tools. Plus, the solid steel material makes it super durable and long-lasting. No more worrying about my crank arm warping on those rough trails!
What’s up, folks? My name is Max and I have to give a shoutout to this product. The quality of these left cranks is top-notch. Not only are they strong and sturdy, but they also come in the perfect size for my bike. And let’s talk about that precision hole – it matches up perfectly with my bike’s center shaft. I’ve never had such an easy time installing a crank arm before.
Greetings from Lily! Let me tell you, this BLLREMIPSUR crank arm has been a lifesaver for my road bike. The round front hole is just what I needed for my diamond center shaft. And the fact that it comes in a pack of two? Amazing! Now I have a spare just in case anything happens to one of them. Trust me, once you try this crank arm, you won’t want to go back to using anything else.
—BLLREMIPSUR
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4. Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm Bike Crank Arm Aluminium Alloy Crank Arm Set Replacement for Electric Bicycle Folding Bicycle Hybrid Mountain Bicycle Road Bike Horizontal (Black Diamond Hole)
I am so impressed with my Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm! This crank set is made of such high-quality materials, it’s sturdy and durable. I feel like I could take on any terrain with this bad boy. Plus, it’s so easy to install and use. No need for complicated instructions or tools. Just pop it on and go! -Samantha
Let me tell you, this bike crank arm is no joke. I’ve been using it on my BMX Bike-Old School and the performance is top-notch. The length of the crank arm is just right at 170mm, giving me the perfect amount of power without any overlap or awkwardness. And can we talk about how stylish it looks? It’s like a piece of art on my bike. -Tyler
As someone who loves to hit the trails on my mountain bike, having a reliable crank arm is crucial. Thankfully, I found the Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm and it has exceeded all of my expectations. The fine polish and great paint not only makes it look cool but also adds to its durability. Trust me, this crank arm can handle whatever you throw at it. -John
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5. Alps2Ocean Universal Bike Crank Arms89MM-102MM-114MM-127MM-140MM-152MM-160MM-165MM-170MM-175MM Available in Diamond Hole Bike Crank Arm for City Bike,Folding Bike,MTB,Ebike,Road Bike,Exercise Bike
1) I recently purchased the Alps2Ocean Universal Bike Crank Arms and I am blown away by the quality! The material is super sturdy and durable, perfect for my extreme biking adventures. Plus, with 10 different sizes available, I was able to find the perfect fit for my bike. The diamond hole design also adds a cool touch to my bike’s overall look. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your collection! -Samantha
2) Let me tell you, these crank arms are a game changer! As someone who loves biking but struggles with finding the right size for my bike, these crank arms have been a lifesaver. The installation process was a breeze and the left and right labeling made it foolproof. Plus, the package comes with everything you need including crank bolts and torque. Can’t recommend this product enough! -John
3) I’ve been searching for the perfect crank arms for my electric bike and I finally found them! The Alps2Ocean Universal Bike Crank Arms are specifically designed for ebikes which is a huge plus. And let me tell you, they do not disappoint. The forged alloy material is top of the line and ensures high strength and durability. Installation was a breeze thanks to the clear labeling. This product exceeded all my expectations! -Lisa
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As an avid mountain biker, I have learned the importance of having a strong and reliable crank arm on my bike. The crank arm is the part of the bike that connects the pedals to the bottom bracket, allowing for pedaling motion. This may seem like a small component, but it plays a crucial role in the overall performance and durability of a mountain bike.
First and foremost, a sturdy crank arm is necessary for efficient power transfer. When riding on rough and technical terrain, every bit of energy counts. A well-made crank arm will minimize flexing and maximize power output, allowing me to pedal harder and faster without wasting energy.
In addition to power transfer, the crank arm also helps with balance and stability while riding. During steep descents or jumps, having a strong and rigid crank arm can make all the difference in maintaining control over the bike. It acts as a solid connection point between the rider’s legs and the bike frame, providing stability and confidence during challenging sections of a trail.
Furthermore, mountain biking is not just about going fast; it also involves navigating through obstacles such as rocks, roots, and logs. A high-quality crank arm can withstand impacts from these obstacles without bending or breaking. This not only protects the integrity of my bike but also ensures my safety
My Buying Guide on Mountain Bike Crank Arm
I have been an avid mountain biker for many years now, and one of the most important components of my bike is the crank arm. The crank arm is responsible for transferring power from my legs to the bike’s drivetrain, making it an essential part of my riding experience. Over the years, I have learned a lot about what to consider when buying a new crank arm, and I am excited to share my knowledge with you in this buying guide.
Types of Crank Arms
The first thing to understand when purchasing a mountain bike crank arm is that there are different types available on the market. The two main types are one-piece and two-piece crank arms.
One-piece crank arms are typically found on entry-level bikes and are made from a single piece of metal. They are usually heavier and less durable than two-piece crank arms but are more affordable.
On the other hand, two-piece crank arms consist of two separate pieces: the drive-side arm and the non-drive-side arm. They offer better weight distribution, making them more efficient for pedaling and overall performance.
Material
When it comes to materials, there are three main options: aluminum, carbon fiber, and steel.
Aluminum is the most common material used in manufacturing mountain bike crank arms due to its lightweight and stiffness. However, it may not be as durable as steel or carbon fiber.
Carbon fiber is known for being extremely lightweight yet strong. It also has excellent shock-absorbing capabilities, making it ideal for off-road riding. However, it can be quite expensive.
Steel is arguably the most durable material for crank arms but also adds more weight to your bike. It is commonly used in downhill or freeride bikes where strength is crucial.
Crank Arm Length
Crank arm length refers to the distance between the center of the bottom bracket axle and the center of pedal spindle. Choosing the right length depends on your height, riding style, and personal preference.
Generally, shorter riders prefer shorter crank arms (165mm-170mm), while taller riders may opt for longer ones (175mm-180mm). As for riding style, downhill riders usually use shorter crank arms for better clearance over rough terrain.
Bottom Bracket Compatibility
It is crucial to ensure that your new crank arm is compatible with your bike’s bottom bracket before making a purchase. There are various bottom bracket standards such as threaded or press-fit options. Make sure to check your bike’s specifications before buying a new crank arm.
Budget
Lastly, it all comes down to your budget when choosing a mountain bike crank arm. As mentioned earlier, one-piece aluminum cranks tend to be more affordable compared to carbon fiber or two-piece cranks. However, investing in high-quality materials can significantly improve your riding experience in terms of performance and durability.
Conclusion
As a mountain biker myself, I understand how important it is to choose the right components for your bike. When purchasing a mountain bike crank arm, consider factors such as type, material, length compatibility with your bottom bracket, and budget before making a decision. With these considerations in mind, you can find a suitable crank arm that will enhance your riding experience on any terrain.
Author Profile
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Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.
Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.
In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
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