Bike Cranksets | SRAM & BSD BMX Cranks
Bike Cranksets: Common Questions
What cranksets are available at Urban Cycling Apparel?
Urban Cycling Apparel carries cranksets for MTB, gravel, and BMX riding. The collection is anchored by SRAM cranksets across the Eagle, Apex, Rival, and Force drivetrain lines, covering 1x MTB and gravel builds using SRAM's DUB spindle standard. BSD BMX cranks round out the collection for riders building or upgrading BMX bikes. Whether you are building a trail bike, a gravel rig, or a street BMX setup, this collection covers the core crankset options for each.
What crankset do I need for a SRAM Eagle drivetrain?
SRAM Eagle drivetrains use the DUB spindle standard across GX, X01, and XX tiers. You need a crankset with a DUB spindle and the correct chainline for your frame's rear spacing. Most modern trail and enduro bikes use Boost 148mm rear spacing, which calls for a 52mm chainline crankset. Super Boost 157mm frames need a 56.5mm chainline. SRAM also offers T-Type Transmission cranksets for Eagle Transmission builds, which use a dedicated Flattop chain and are not cross-compatible with standard Eagle chains. Confirm your frame's rear spacing and bottom bracket shell type before ordering to ensure correct fit.
What is the difference between SRAM Eagle and Apex cranksets?
SRAM Eagle cranksets are built for MTB use with wide-range 1x12 gearing and chainlines optimized for Boost and Super Boost rear spacing. They are designed to pair with Eagle cassettes in the 10-52t range. SRAM Apex cranksets are built for gravel and adventure riding, offering a longer DUB spindle that accommodates both road and MTB frame bottom bracket standards, making them cross-compatible across a wider range of frames. Apex cranksets also work with XPLR wide-range cassettes for gravel and bikepacking use. If you are building a gravel bike, Apex is the right starting point. If you are building or upgrading a trail or enduro MTB, Eagle is the correct ecosystem.
What crank arm length should I choose?
Crank arm length affects pedaling efficiency, ground clearance, and fit. SRAM cranksets are typically available in 165mm, 170mm, and 175mm lengths. Most riders use 170mm or 175mm as a default, with 175mm favored by taller riders and those who prioritize leverage on climbs. Shorter crank arms in the 165mm range are gaining popularity among MTB and gravel riders because they improve ground clearance on technical terrain and reduce hip impingement during high-cadence efforts. If you are replacing an existing crankset, matching your current length is the safest starting point. If you are building fresh or having fit issues, a bike fitter can dial in the right length for your anatomy.
What are BSD BMX cranks and who are they for?
BSD is a UK-based BMX brand with a strong following in street and park riding. BSD cranks are built for the demands of BMX riding including grinding, jumping, and impact loads that standard cycling cranks are not designed to handle. They use 19mm or 22mm spindle standards common across BMX frames and are available in two and three-piece configurations. If you are building or upgrading a BMX bike, BSD cranks are a well-regarded option in the mid-to-performance tier of the BMX component market.
Do I need a new bottom bracket when I replace my crankset?
In most cases, yes. Bottom brackets are matched to both the crankset spindle standard and the frame's bottom bracket shell type. SRAM DUB cranksets require a DUB-compatible bottom bracket, and the specific model depends on whether your frame uses a threaded BSA shell, PF30, BB86, T47, or another standard. BSD BMX cranks require a bottom bracket matched to their spindle diameter. When ordering a replacement crankset, confirming both the spindle standard and your frame's shell type before purchasing a bottom bracket will save a return trip. Urban Cycling Apparel carries SRAM components to help you source matching parts in one order.