crashbanggg Posted October 9, 2010 Report Share Posted October 9, 2010 I know this is going to sound really 'noobie' but... Could someone explain about cranks? What do the different sizes do? Can they all use a FFW? Etc I need to try and find some new (Well second hand) ones and I have no idea where to start Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aener Posted October 9, 2010 Report Share Posted October 9, 2010 (edited) Well... There's a few things to know. You'll hear about "square taper", and "ISIS" cranks. This refers to the system used to mount them on to the bottom bracket. If you have a square taper BB, obviously you need square taper cranks. ISIS is supposedly stronger interface, and quite often easier to get off, but I've never had a problem with square tapers. The tapers can die after a while however, and I think there's more choices with ISIS, so if you're starting from scratch I'd recommend ISIS. Next is the length. The longer the crank, the more leverage you get on the drivetrain. Whilst it won't change the amount of gear-inches you get, longer cranks will make a certain gearing feel easier to pedal than shorter ones. There's no right or wrong - it's all your personal preference. If you have an 18:12 gear ratio and 158mm long cranks and it feels too heavy, but 18:13 with 158mm cranks feels too light, you could try an 18:12 ratio with 165/170/175mm cranks. Over time you'll find out what you like. Finally, most trials-specific cranks can take a front freewheel. If it has threads on the driveside crank, it can take a freewheel. If it has anything to do with bolts, or "arms", it can't. Edited October 9, 2010 by aener Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashbanggg Posted October 10, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2010 Cheers My cranks at the moment come loose really easily and just wobble around, so im assuming that's the square taper on the crank arm then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isitafox Posted October 10, 2010 Report Share Posted October 10, 2010 Sounds like it yes. If you can afford it I'd upgrade to some ISIS cranks and bottom bracket. How much money have you got to spend?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crashbanggg Posted October 10, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2010 Very Little I'm trying to save my money for driving + iv got about £150 worth of repairs to do on my 'proper' bike so some dirt cheap second hand cranks looks like the way to go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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