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Best Bike Cranksets for Mountain Bikes of 2026

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Jason Kiser

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Bike cranksets for mountain bikes are an essential component of the drivetrain that converts your pedaling into forward motion. They consist of the crank arms, which attach to the pedals, and the chainring, which connects to the chain. Mountain bike cranksets are designed to withstand the rigors of off-road riding, with sturdy construction and durable materials. They come in various sizes and configurations to suit different riding styles and terrains, from fast and flowy singletrack to steep and technical climbs. Some popular brands include Shimano, SRAM, and RaceFace, each offering their own unique features and benefits.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Bike Cranksets for Mountain Bikes

#TOP 1

All Mountain Style Crank Boot Protectors

All Mountain Style Crank Boot Protectors Cover

Crank Boot Protectors for Mountain Bike and Gravel Cranksets - 4 PCS Crankset Cover Sleeve Bike Crank Arms - Protection and Style

The All Mountain Style Crank Boots offer excellent protection for your bike's crank arms, shielding them from tough impacts when riding on rough trails. These guards help you ride longer by extending the life of your crankset, keeping your bike in great shape. Made from strong TPU material, they resist wear and tear even in extreme cycling conditions, so you don't have to worry about damage. Plus, you can customize your bike’s look by choosing from several colors, letting you add a personal touch without sacrificing protection. These crank boots are a smart choice for serious riders who want durability and style.

9.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Durable TPU material
  • Impact protection
  • Extended crankset life
  • Color customization
#TOP 2

SHIMANO Tourney Mountain Bicycle Crank Set

  • SHIMANO
  • EFCTY501E888CLB
  • Black , Silver
  • 175 mm
SHIMANO Tourney Mountain Bicycle Crank Set Cover

Shimano Tourney Mountain Bicycle Crank Set - FC-TY501 (Black - 175MM, 48X38X28T W/CG)

This bike crankset features a triple chainring, plastic chainguard, and bottom bracket interface type of Square Taper JIS. The triple chainring allows you to easily switch between gears, while the plastic chainguard protects your chain from debris. The bottom bracket interface type of Square Taper JIS provides a secure fit and efficient power transfer. Perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Triple chainring for easy gear switching
  • Plastic chainguard protects chain from debris
  • Bottom bracket interface type of Square Taper JIS provides secure fit and efficient power transfer
#TOP 3

KIEVODE 8mm Hex Crank Arm Fixing Bolts with Dust Caps

KIEVODE 8mm Hex Crank Arm Fixing Bolts with Dust Caps Cover

KIEVODE 2 PCS Bike 8mm Hex Crank Arm Fixing Bolts with Caps - Capless Bottom Bracket Screws for Mountain and Road Bicycle Axle - for FSA, Suntour, Prowheel and More

The KIEVODE 8mm Crank Bolts are designed to fit a wide variety of bikes, including those with square tapered and standard bottom brackets, giving you great flexibility. Their precise M8 thread size and 18mm length ensure a perfect fit, making installation straightforward. These bolts come with built-in plastic dust caps, which protect them from water, dirt, and sand, helping your bike last longer and reducing maintenance. Installing them is easy—you just need an 8mm Allen wrench to secure them properly. Overall, these bolts offer a reliable and hassle-free solution for your bike’s crank arm attachment.

9.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Wide compatibility
  • Precise M8 threading
  • Built-in dust caps
  • Easy installation
#TOP 4

Relwears FC-TY301 Bike Crankset

Relwears FC-TY301 Bike Crankset Cover

Relwears Bike Crankset FC-TY301 42-34-24T for 3x6/7/8 Speed Gears Square Taper Set 170MM Crank Arm for Mountain Bike

The Relwears Bike Crankset FC-TY301 is designed for versatility and performance. With a gear combination of 24-34-42T and a crank arm length of 170mm, it easily fits 3x6, 3x7, and 3x8 speed drivetrains. The aluminum alloy construction makes it lightweight yet sturdy, improving the overall strength and balance during rides. You will appreciate the smooth and reliable shifting, thanks to the precision indexing. Assembly is quick and straightforward, allowing you to get back on your bike without hassle.

9.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Lightweight aluminum alloy
  • Smooth precision shifting
  • Wide compatibility
  • Easy assembly
#TOP 5

BUCKLOS IXF 104 BCD Mountain Bike Crankset

BUCKLOS IXF 104 BCD Mountain Bike Crankset Cover

BUCKLOS IXF 104 BCD 30-52T Mountain Bike Crankset -Hollow Integrated MTB 170mm Crank Set- Aluminum Alloy Bike Crankset with Narrow Wide Tooth Chainring Bottom Bracket Bolts (Black/Red)

The BUCKLOS Mountain Bike Crankset is designed with a 170mm crank arm length and a 104 BCD, making it compatible with a wide range of mountain bikes. Its lightweight aluminum alloy construction provides strength without adding extra weight, so you can enjoy smoother rides. The narrow-wide tooth chainring helps keep your chain securely in place, reducing the chance of slipping during rough rides. Additionally, the bottom bracket fits standard bike frames between 68-73mm and works well with popular brands like Shimano and FSA, making installation easy and convenient for most riders.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Lightweight aluminum alloy
  • Compatible with 7-12 speed chains
  • Narrow-wide tooth chainring
  • Fits common bottom bracket sizes
#TOP 6

Rhinenet 170mm Left Bicycle Crank Arm

Rhinenet 170mm Left Bicycle Crank Arm Cover

Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm Set Replacement for Electric, Folding, Hybrid, Mountain, Road Bike - Aluminium Alloy - Horizontal (Black, Diamond Hole)

The Rhinenet Left Crank Arm is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and strength for your biking needs. Its lightweight design makes installation a breeze, allowing you to quickly replace your crank arm without hassle. With a 170mm length, it fits perfectly without interfering with the chain ring bolt, enhancing your bike's efficiency. This crank arm set is versatile, suitable for a range of bicycles, from BMX to electric and mountain bikes, making it an excellent choice for any cyclist looking to upgrade their ride.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Durable construction
  • Easy installation
  • Versatile compatibility
  • Stylish appearance
#TOP 7

SHIMANO TOURNEY TY501 Crankset

  • SHIMANO
  • SG_B01M2WMSP2_US
  • Black, Silver
SHIMANO TOURNEY TY501 Crankset Cover

SHIMANO TOURNEY TY501 CRANKSET 6/7/8-SPD 170mm 24/34/42T BLACK

The SHIMANO TOURNEY Crankset offers smooth and reliable gear changes thanks to its advanced DUAL SIS technology, making your rides more enjoyable whether you're tackling hills or cruising trails. Its sturdy black steel construction and riveted chainrings ensure durability, so you can trust it to withstand tough off-road conditions. With a 170mm crank length and a 185.5mm Q-factor, it provides comfortable pedaling and efficient power transfer, helping you ride longer with less fatigue. Plus, its compatibility with common mountain bike hubs and bottom brackets makes installation and upgrades hassle-free, so you can easily fit it to your bike and get back on the trail.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • DUAL SIS smooth shifting
  • Durable steel construction
  • Comfortable crank length and Q-factor
  • Wide hub and bottom bracket compatibility
#TOP 8

BUCKLOS IXF 104 BCD 30T-38T 170MM MTB Crankset

BUCKLOS IXF 104 BCD 30T-38T 170MM MTB Crankset Cover

BUCKLOS IXF 104 BCD 30T-38T 170MM Mountain Bike Crankset, Hollow Integrated MTB Crank Set, Aluminum Alloy Crankset Round Oval Narrow Wide Chainring with Bottom Bracket Bolts Fit Shimano/FSA Gaint

The BUCKLOS MTB Crankset offers a durable and lightweight design, perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts. It features a narrow-wide chainring with options ranging from 30T to 38T, which helps keep your chain in place and reduces slipping during rides. The 170mm crank arms provide a comfortable and efficient pedaling motion, fitting a wide range of bike setups. Made from aluminum alloy, this crankset is both strong and light, making it easier for you to handle tough trails. Additionally, the included bottom bracket fits most standard mountain bike frames and is compatible with popular brands like Shimano and FSA, giving you easy installation and reliable performance.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Lightweight aluminum alloy
  • Narrow-wide chainring design
  • Compatible with Shimano/FSA
  • Fits 7-12 speed chains
  • Includes bottom bracket

WEEROCK 42T Mountain Bike Crankset

WEEROCK 42T Mountain Bike Crankset Cover

WEEROCK Mountain Bike Crankset Aluminium Alloy 1 Piece/Single 42T Charing Crank Set with 170mm Arm 104 BCD, Compatible with Single Speed Bicycle and 6/7/8/9/10/11 Speeds MTB Bike,Black

The WEEROCK Mountain Bike Crankset is designed for versatility, accommodating single-speed bicycles as well as 6 to 11-speed mountain bikes. Its drop-stop design features a narrow-wide tooth pattern that effectively prevents chain drops, enhancing your riding safety. Made from sturdy aluminum alloy, this crankset is lightweight and resistant to rust, ensuring durability on your rides. Additionally, the 104 BCD chainring allows for easy disc replacements, giving you the flexibility to customize your bike as needed. This crankset is an excellent choice for cyclists looking for reliability and performance.

9.1
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Prevents chain drops
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Compatible with various speeds
  • Easy disc replacement
#TOP 10

BNVB Bike Crank Arm Set

  • BNVB
  • BNVB-Crank-Bk
  • Black
  • Standard
BNVB Bike Crank Arm Set Cover

BNVB Bike Crank Arm Set, 170mm 105 BCD Mountain Bike Crank Set with Bottom Bracket Crank and Chainring Bolts for MTB BMX Road Bicyle, Compatible with Shimano, FSA, Gaint (Black)

BNVB Bike Crank Arm Set is made of high strength Aluminum Alloy, which is non-slip and durable. It has an ergonomic structure, super lightweight and incredibly strong, making it the best choice for riders who want more control on their bicycles. With easy installation, it is compatible with most mountain bikes and dirt bicycles, including Shimano, FSA, Gaint ATX770 ATX770-D XTC 750. The package includes one forged crank set, bottom bracket, and other necessary accessories.

8.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Durable and lightweight material
  • Ergonomic structure for better control
  • Easy to install and compatible with most mountain bikes and dirt bicycles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I choose a crankset for my mountain bike?

When choosing a crankset for your mountain bike, consider the length of the crank arm. The three main lengths are 165, 170, and 175mm. Traditionally, longer cranks were recommended for longer legs and larger bike sizes. It's important to find the right crank arm length that suits your body and riding style.

2. What are the different types of mountain bike cranksets?

There are three main types of mountain bike cranksets: triple chainring, double chainring, and single chainring. Triple chainring cranksets are commonly used for 9-10-speed transmissions, while double chainring cranksets are popular for their versatility. Single chainring cranksets are preferred for their simplicity and weight savings.

3. Are mountain bike cranksets universal?

No, mountain bike crank arms are not universal. Different crankset sizes and arm lengths are available to accommodate different bike sizes and rider preferences. While 175mm crank arms are commonly used for adult bikes, children's or women's bikes typically have shorter arm lengths, such as 165mm.

4. Which is better 1X or 2X crankset?

The choice between a 1X and 2X crankset depends on your riding preferences. A 2X drivetrain offers a wider gear range, making climbing easier and providing better control on fast descents. On the other hand, a 1X crankset is simpler, lighter, and eliminates the need for a front derailleur, but sacrifices some end-range gears capability.

5. Are shorter cranks better for MTB?

Shorter cranks can offer some advantages for mountain biking. They can reduce the peak load on the knee by increasing the angle between the bones of the leg. This can help reduce the risk of knee injuries. However, the choice of crank length should be based on individual body proportions and riding style.

6. Will any crankset fit on my bike?

Cranksets are not generally interchangeable, but it is possible to transplant a crank from one bike to another if they have the same number of rear sprockets and chain width. The spacing between the chainrings should also be the same. It's always best to consult with a bike mechanic or refer to the manufacturer's specifications to ensure compatibility.

Editor's Notes

During our bike crankset for mountain bikes research, we found 24 bike crankset for mountain bikes products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,305 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike cranksets for mountain bikes list. We found that most customers choose bike cranksets for mountain bikes with an average price of $29.90.

The bike cranksets for mountain bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike cranksets for mountain bikes, including All Mountain Style, SHIMANO, KIEVODE, Relwears, BUCKLOS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 23 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by

Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.