Nothing makes for a smooth bike ride than a high-quality gear crankset. You’re probably on the market for one, which is why you’re reading this article on how to find the best fixed gear crankset. You realize that while solid bars, expensive rims, and gears are important, nothing brings these components together better than a nice fixed gear crank arm.
But, finding one of these on the market is no piece of cake, especially as the market becomes more saturated with options from different brands and manufacturers.
That’s where the following guide comes in. We’re going to share with you all the information you need to find a good crankset for fixed gear.
Best Crankset for Fixie
To simplify the process of finding the best crankset, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide filled with great options for you to choose from, as well as helpful pointers on what to look for.
1. SRAM S300 Courier Crankset
The SRAM S300 courier crankset is the best fixie crankset for anyone shopping on a budget. That’s because despite its reasonable price tag, it’s made to last, looks awesome, and performs like a beast.
The only greased part of this crankset is the threads which mean it won’t be dripping with grease unnecessarily, and the crank arms are complemented by washers that come as part of the package as well.
Once you’ve installed them, you’ll be able to ride your bike for prolonged periods of time without worrying about flex or wear and tear, and that’s testament to this crankset’s durability overall.
Now it’s worth saying that the bottom bracket isn’t anything to write home about, but considering how affordable this crankset is, it’s totally reasonable. It’s mostly constructed from plastic, save for the aluminum outer cups, so it’s reliable and solid but not as high quality as some of the higher end (and expensive) options.
2. State Bicycle Co. Fixed Gear Crankset
The State Bike Co. has created the ultimate fixed gear bike crankset for bike riders who like to stand out. It’ll give your bike a nice touch of gold with other available color options including polished aluminum, white, red, and black.
The crankset’s construction itself is finished in forged aluminum to make it even more durable. Otherwise, it comes with a 46-tooth chainring which makes it possible for you to handle difficult terrain, and it only weighs 734g which is lightweight enough to not add any unnecessary extra weight to your bike ride, while the chain arm is 170mm long to keep your bike nicely aligned.
Not only that, but this crankset is super easy to use, as it’s designed to enable effortless detachment whenever necessary.
And all you need to do to keep it running smoothly is to grease the fastened pieces and screws regularly to prevent any build-up of drag. Otherwise, this is the best crankset for fixie, road, and mountain bikes, as it’s designed to enjoy a snag-free ride.
3. CDHPOWER Single Speed Crankset
Next in our list of options, we have the CDHPOWER single speed crankset which is characterized by its unique arms made from a forged alloy. It’s as durable as the best, considering that it comes with a carbon steel chainring and compatibility with quarter-inch chainrings and 9/16-inch pedals.
You can expect to enjoy a snag-free ride with this lightweight crankset and it’s super easy to assemble on your own because it’s designed to have a 200mm square taper interface. Thanks to its 165mm long pedal crank arms, this set makes for very fluid brakes as well.
Another great thing about this crankset is that it’s the entire package, as it comes with a durable and high-quality chainring as well as a generous 12-month warranty to cover labor and components as well.
A larger chainring such as this one does come with certain disadvantages though, such as making it difficult to ride uphill especially when mountain biking, so keep that in mind too.
4. Lasco Forged Crankset
This is considered being the best fixed gear crankset for a number of reasons.
For starters, it’s made by one of the best bike component manufacturers on the market and offers the best of both worlds between style and durability. It goes well with a 103mm bottom bracket, especially when combined while in its original composition.
It comes with such features as a 44-tooth chainring with a 165mm fixed gear crank and is finished with forged alloy for durability. It’s quite lightweight and makes it easy to ride your bike thanks to the standard 130mm bolt.
It’s safe to say that this is one well-made cranks but it’s not without a few snags. For example, the bolts which are meant to keep everything together tend to loosen, rendering it less reliable than we’d like, and disassembling the components isn’t easy, especially if you’re doing it on your own. In fact, you might end up having to hire someone to help you out with it.
5. Vuelta Pista Track Crankset
A quest for quality cranksets wouldn’t be complete without this Vuelta Pista model which is proudly made in the US and is made from the highest quality components.
Not to disappoint when it comes to performance, Vuelta has made this crankset with a versatile 144mm BCD which will work on any square tapered bottom bracket and 108mm BB spindle.
It works like a dream on the track and offers great value for money considering how much you’re getting it for.
It’s also super easy to install and use once you’ve gotten it delivered to your house and it will work quietly even on a 7x speed bike.
6. SUNLITE Single Speed Crankset
Sunlite has created a lot of affordable cranks for fixie and this is one of them. Not only is it well priced, but this unique crankset is beautifully finished to help you stand out, it’s well made and it’s easy to install.
It’s also impressively lightweight and is constructed from aluminum alloy which is a durable material that goes really well with the solid stainless steel chainring. It’s worth noting here that this is a single-speed crankset with a square taper interface and it comes in two different size options, namely 32T and 44T.
The one that you pick will depend on how many gears you’re working with as well as the terrain, whether or not you’re going up or downhill.
Speaking of hills, this crankset will help you to ride uphill without getting gassed and we’re really happy about that feature, as it makes up for the poor chainring design. It should have been externally oriented, we feel.
7. Origin8 Track/SS Crankset
Next up we have the Origin8 Track Crankset which is one of the most well-known and popular options on this list.
For one thing, it looks very attractive with its vintage aesthetic and it comes at a very reasonable price tag.
Some of its notable features include a 46 tooth chainring allowing you to tackle different terrain and applications. The crankset itself is constructed from aluminum alloy which is both lightweight and durable.
It has a track-style fit which makes it suitable for any bike that has a square bottom bracket and it’s available in different lengths as well, from 165mm to 170mm to 175mm, which are suitable for 9/16″ pedals.
8. CYSKY Single Speed Crankset
When it comes to high-quality fixie bike crankset, this one right here always gets a special mention, and for good reason. It’s well made, durable, high performance, and looks good while at it.
It’s on the lighter side of the weight and is super easy to install as well. It’s the perfect crankset for anyone with a daily commuting bike who wants something that is reliable and solidly made.
Super easy to mount on your fixie although not as effortless if you’re dealing with a fat bike. But it’s applicable to any 103BB that has a square taper bottom bracket.
There are no bolts, ball bearings, or spindles on this crankset either so you’ll want to purchase these separately, as well as the pedals and BB lubes as well. It’s also worth noting there that this crank won’t allow you to place the chainring internally and the aluminum sprockets are rather poorly made and not suitable for rough riding at all.
How to Pick the Best Fixed Gear Crankset
The average bike owner doesn’t know much about the components that make up his machine, especially if you’re not the one responsible for regular maintenance.
However, we’re here to tell you that you don’t need to be a qualified mechanic to understand what your bike is working with under its proverbial hood.
Keep reading to find out which features you need to look out for when shopping for a fixie chainring and most importantly, the best fixed gear crankset.
Size
Cranksets are available in different sizes and it’s crucial to ensure that the one you purchase is the perfect size for your fixie bike.
The good news is that almost every crankset manufacturer has taken this into account and offers options in every size imaginable.
Durability
As with most things, durability is paramount. Keep in mind that even as it is, your bike has to take a lot of abuse daily as riding it requires a considerable amount of force and pressure which then have to be handled by the different components, including the crankset.
A poorly made crankset isn’t going to be able to handle the situation for a long period of time and might break down in the middle of your journey and this is the last thing you want.
The good news is that you don’t have to pay through the nose for a quality crankset as you have seen from the list above. There are plenty of reasonably priced components that are well made to deliver the best performance possible.
Weight
You should also consider how much the crankset weighs because this will play a role in its mobility and speed. Of course, the materials that the crankset is made out of will determine how heavy or lightweight it is.
For the most part, aluminum is the most durable crankset material around and yet it’s super lightweight as well.
On the other hand, steel is durable too but very heavy and will add considerable weight to your bike riding journeys.
Gear Ratio
Bikes come in different gear ratios. For instance, single-speed bikes come with only one gear making them easy to use and perfect for noobs.
However, it’s also important to consider teeth count which is the gear ratio that the crankset is capable of. For example, you may have noticed the following figures referenced in the above reviews: 32T, 36T, 44T, etc.
They are a reference to the efficiency of the bike and bikes which have a higher figure in this regard are typically more difficult to move.
That’s why you should stick with a low tooth count if you plan on using your bike for the daily commute. That way, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll be able to ride your bike effortlessly. However, if you have a need for speed then you’ll have to go the other way and increase that tooth ratio.
Crank Arm
Crank arm length comes in different sizes as well as arm length is important because it plays a role in the bike’s speed capacity as well as your health, surprisingly enough.
So, the longer the arm length is, the easier it will be for you to pedal your bike and switch between gears so that you can cruise effortlessly.
On the other hand, short crank arms require lower pedal strikes and less power. But, they make it easier to go faster and this can be hard on your knees.
So, it’s important to choose the right crank arm length for the sake of your body and comfort while riding your bike.
Set
If you’re purchasing a new crankset to replace an old broken down one, then this is your chance to splurge and really kit your bike out with a complete set that comes with all the components you’ll need including bottom brackets, screws, and bolts to name but a few.
Now, granted this is a very expensive option but it’s well worth it if you’re doing a complete upgrade.
Alternatively, you can opt for a more affordable and basic rig that includes the teeth and arms but this comes without the bottom bracket.
Although this is a more cost-effective solution it is complicated to install and use so you might need to hire a professional mechanic to install it for you which will cost you.
Benefits of a Fixed Gear Crankset
The thing that makes bike riding so amazing is the fact that it’s, by and large, an effortless activity. This is especially the case if you have a single-speed bike.
There is very little effort required in the process and you don’t have to think about how many of the components work. All you have to do is pedal, have fun, and feel the wind against your skin.
Also, fixies are known for having the least issues out of all the different types of bikes available out there and they’re usually so durable that they can handle a lot of abuse without breaking down. This makes them suitable for a daily commute and it means they’re low maintenance too.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, it doesn’t take much to find the best fixed gear crankset once you know what to look for.
We hope this guide has been helpful to you in your search for the ultimate crankset and if we were to recommend just one option, it would be the SRAM S300 Courier Crankset.
Why? Because it’s budget-friendly, lightweight, smooth, balanced, and durable. In fact, it’s so well made that you’ll be surprised at how well it performs when installed on your bicycle.