Can You Put BMX Cranks On a Mountain Bike? (Explained!)

Mountain bikes and BMX are incredibly close in terms of specs and parts. It’s, therefore, quite tempting to think of swapping or swapping their cranks. However, is it possible to use BMX cranks on your mountain bike?

Yes, it is possible to use a BMX crank on the mountain bike so long that the spindle of the mountain bike corresponds to the inner dimension of the bracket’s bottom.

Look deeper into why you should install BMX cranks on your mountain bike!

Can You Put BMX Cranks On a Mountain Bike? What is the explanation?

Bottom brackets are an element that connects cranksets (chain sets in the UK) to the bicycle’s frame and permits the crankset to rotate independently of the frame structure.

It’s made up of a spindle, to which the crankset is connected, and bearings that allow the crankset and the spindle to rotate. The lower bracket is threaded or hydraulically pressed onto the structure of the frame.

Bottom brackets typically come at lengths of 68mm or 73mm. Other measurements include 83mm for mountain bikes downhill and 100mm for fat-tire bikes.

The other side of the spindle is the part that connects the cranksets to the brackets at the bottom. Spindles typically come in 19mm, 22mmand, 24mm, or even 30mm. The majority of BMX cranks are in the 19mm or 22mm.

The bracket on the bottom that best allows swapping a BMX crank on mountain bikes is that of the Euro BB (British Bottom Bracket). Its inner diameter corresponds to the spindle’s 19- or 22mm diameter.

Furthermore, adapters permit the 19-22 or 24mm spindle to be fitted on the more modern 30-millimeter bottom brackets.

A warning. The cranks for mountain bikes are typically smaller than BMX cranks.

Reason? A shorter crank puts less strain on joints and muscles.

The less stress and load on joints, the less discomfort in the knees, back, hips, and various body parts during your bike. Because of the difference in length, you should adjust the chain line to ensure maximum performance.

If you’ve learned that it’s possible to mount a BMX crank into a mountain bicycle, you’re probably wondering why someone would even think of BMX cranks for mountain bikes. Here are four reasons.

 

Why BMX cranks can work on the mountain Bike The 4 main reasons to Explain

Here are some reasons why BMX cranks can work on MTBs:

1. BMX Cranks come in a variety of lengths

Mountain bike racing follows the standard 175mm for crank arms. BMX cranks are available in a range of lengths. The length varies from 170mm to 175mm. Reason?

Particular crank lengths are better in specific BMXing disciplines. The size of the crank arm is 170mm or less work best for BMX street riding or flatland.

Crank arms with 175mm or more lengths are ideal for BMX racers or jumpers. Therefore, using BMX cranks will assist your journey if you bring the MTB for a ride.

2. BMX Cranks Are Durable

It’s no secret it is a fact that BMX riding is an intense sport. This is why everything on the BMX bike is built with endurance in mind, the cranks, for instance. BMX cranks are constructed from steel or alloys, like Chromoly.

The choice of material used for cranks is crucial for ensuring the strength of the crank. A well-maintained and maintained crank will last longer than the frame.

Certain manufacturers offer an all-year warranty on their cranks. It is an indicator of how long-lasting the cranks last.

Severe riders are suggested to replace their cranks once they have logged 5400 miles of riding.

3. BMX Cranks Weigh Less

The alloys used in producing BMX cranks permit them to maintain the necessary strength while weighing less. Sure BMX cranks weigh around 2-pounds or less.

There are two distinct aspects to understanding why you require BMX cranks and knowing what type to buy. So, what kinds of cranks are available? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

2-Piece vs. 3-Piece Cranks: Which One Should You Pick for your Mountain Bike?

There are generally three different types of cranks which is four if you consider as 2.5-piece cranks. You may have observed from the subheading that we’ve gone directly to either 3-piece or 2-piece cranks.

That’s because 1-piece cranks are typically used in retro, kids’, and cheap bikes. If you’re not rebuilding your vintage bike, it is best to stay clear of the one-piece cranks.

They are prone to breaking down and aren’t compatible with most modern bottom brackets available on the market.

The 2.5-piece crank includes the spindle attached with one arm via an adjustable wedge system. The 2.5-piece lets one benefit from both the 2-piece and 3-piece.

2-Piece Cranks

They have the spindle permanently joined or machine-pressed to the crank on the drive side.

2 Piece Cranks Pros

The cranks are very simple to put in. All you need to do is insert the sprocket, pull your crank into the bracket on the bottom, and install the second crank at the opposite end.

It’s easier to maintain the two-piece crank. Because one arm of the crank is welded to the other, All you need to consider is the single bolt to connect the remaining crank arm.

The majority of 2-piece cranks weigh less when compared to the three-piece ones. They weigh less since they’re hollow. The cranks have a larger diameter which helps them to be stronger.

2 Piece Cranks

While cranks are designed to endure, they can occasionally break. If the spindle on the 2-piece crank is damaged or damaged, the crank will need to be replaced by an entirely new set.

2-piece cranks are more expensive. They’re also harder to obtain because they’re not the norm for cranks.

The 3-Piece crank

Three-piece cranks, the standard modern cranks, come with the spindle and both crank arms separated.

Three-Piece Cranks Pros

These cranks are tough. They can withstand any punishment that comes to them. The three-piece is the best choice if you’re constantly breaking cranks.

Three-piece cranks allow for the ability to work in a variety of ways. The user isn’t restricted to the right or left-side drive.

They’re popular and provide a variety. Due to their popularity and availability on markets, these cranks are less costly than 2-piece models.

Because 3-piece cranks are segments, replacement of damaged parts is more straightforward. It’s just a matter of replacing the damaged component, and that’s all there is to it.

3 Piece Cranks

For those concerned about the weight of bicycle components, It’s worth noting that some crank types weigh less than the two-piece cranks.

As mentioned earlier, if the only thing you want from a crank is the ease of use and lighter weight, you can opt for the two-piece crank. If you require a modular crank that is widely available, then you should consider the 3-piece.

The best BMX Cranks for Mountain Bike

Below is a listing of some of the top BMX cranks on the market.

ODYSSEY ODY Thunderbolt Crank Arm

The well-tested and tried right-hand drive two-piece Odyssey crank is among the most sophisticated. It has a Never-Wobble crank and a 22mm thick machine-pressed arm with enhanced graphics and fatigue longevity. The steel-colored colorway ensures that you don’t have to be concerned about the possibility of rust.

SE Bikes BMX Rad CROMO Crank Arm Set

The Chromo three-piece crank will be the perfect choice for those who want to upgrade from their current cranks.

People Also Need to Ask

Can I put a BMX Crank on a Mountain Bike?

You can install a BMX crank onto mountain bikes. But, the dimension of the bracket’s bottom should match the diameter of the spindle on the mountain bike.

BMX Bike spindles generally are either 20mm or 21mm. Mountain bikes, however, have spindles that are 24mm thick.

To install the 19mm spindle, it is necessary to purchase the bottom bracket with a threaded body that matches the bottom rack for mountain bikes and a 19mm bearing in the front.

You can also utilize bottom bracket adapters for changing cranks.

How to Install BMX Cranks On MTBs?

It is necessary to follow the steps below to execute a crank switch correctly.

• A wrench or a spanner to remove the pedals
• The Allen keys (usually around 8mm) to remove the crankshafts
• Grease
• A hammer is handy in case there is a problem

Here’s how you can install BMX cranks onto an MTB

• Flip your bike upside down.
• Utilize the spanner or wrench to unbolt the pedals.
• Then loosen the cranks. Cranks can be fastened with different methods based on the manufacturer. Specific cranks feature bolts that you could lock by using the Allen key. Some include pinch nuts on their sides. It is essential to loosen these. For a 3-piece design, cranks are sure to take out the bolt on the opposite side, too.
• Remove the loose crank.
• If you own a spline drive, take it off the sprocket connected to your axle. It will be apparent that it’s a drive with a spline if there’s no sprocket to secure it.
• You can remove or add spacers based on how big the cranks are. Take a photo of washers and spacers the same way they appear before you take them off – except if you can take a picture. It shouldn’t be a problem to replace cranks similar to yours.
• After the cranks have been removed, make sure the bearings are checked. Replace them if they are damaged.
• Remove the grime and grease inside the bracket’s bottom.
• The sprocket should be inserted back into the shaft and slide the crank arm. If you find that sliding the arm into the crank is a little complicated, you can employ a hammer to nudge it. Make sure to use the rubber or plastic edge of the hammer to avoid damaging the crank. Certain brands offer the sprocket to assist with this.
• Make sure that the crank arms are in alignment. To ensure this, use the seat post to serve as a reference.
• Clean the bolt, then turn the crank to tighten it.
• Make sure you grease the pedals before putting their backs on. Make sure to put the chain in place.

Will BMX Cranks Fit MTB?

BMX cranks are compatible with mountain bikes if the threads on the inside section of the lower bracket, and the spindle, fit.

In Conclusion – Can You Put BMX Cranks On a Mountain Bike?

It is generally possible to mount BMX cranks onto mountain bikes as long as the threads in the bracket’s bottom and spindle are in line. You can utilize adapters for the bottom bracket that allow you to carry out the swap of a crank in the event of an inconsistency in the diameter of both the lower bracket and the spindle.