Answering the common buyer question: which single speed crankset and bottom bracket set best fits your bike and riding style? This guide highlights five well-rounded options suited for mountain bikes, urban fixed-gear, and retro builds. Each choice includes who it’s best for, key features, and subtle trade-offs. The top picks cover lightweight aluminum designs, narrow-wide chainring options for improved chain retention, and compatibility with common standards like 104 BCD and 170 mm crank arms.
Overview of top picks:
- BNVB Bike Crank Arm Set — Best for weight-conscious riders needing strong aluminum construction and solid chainring options.
- PETCHOR Square Taper Crankset (34T/36T) — Best for versatile gearing and easy customization with removable chainrings.
- GANOPPER Single Speed Crankset — Best for fixed-gear or single-speed builds needing robust aluminum and precise BCD fit.
- BOLANY 170mm Crankset — Best for integrated design with included bottom bracket and durable 7075 aluminum components.
- AUTES Bicycle Single Speed Crankset — Best for budget-conscious riders seeking multiple chainring sizes and reliable square-taper setup.
BNVB Bike Crank Arm Set — 170mm, 104 BCD
Key features include ultra-light aluminum alloy construction, a 170 mm crank arm length, and 104 mm BCD with a 68–73 mm bottom bracket width. The set is described as ergonomic, durable, and ideal for riders seeking more control. It lists a weight around 675 g, making it a competitive option for weight-conscious builds. Best for riders who want a balance of lightness and strength for MTB or road setups. A potential limitation is that the bottom bracket compatibility is specified within a narrow width range, so ensure your frame matches 68–73 mm.
Who it’s best for: Riders building a light, strong MTB or road bike with 104 BCD needs and 170 mm crank arms, who value precise engineering and anti-slip performance.
PETCHOR Square Taper Crankset 170mm — 104BCD, 40T
This PETCHOR crankset uses a square taper bottom bracket with 170 mm arms and 104 BCD. It ships with a 40T chainring and bolts, and highlights an upgrade design featuring narrow-wide teeth for better chain retention. The set supports removable chainrings and multiple crank configurations (single, dual, or triple crank setups). It’s lightweight and compatible with 9/16″ pedals. Best for riders wanting straightforward customization and reliable chain retention in a single-speed or limited-gear setup. Limitation: the product is designed around square taper installation, which may require compatible bottom brackets and tolerances for your frame.
Who it’s best for: Riders seeking easy chainring swaps and a reliable single-speed or dual setup, particularly with 104 BCD compatibility.
GANOPPER Single Speed Crankset — 130 BCD, 170mm
GANOPPER’s crankset uses AL7075 T6 material with a 130 mm BCD and 170 mm crank arms. It is designed for high strength, wear resistance, and a robust fixed-gear or single-speed application. The set lists a 9/16″ pedal compatibility and a standard 1/2″ x 1/8″ chain size. The bottom bracket is not included, and several BB options (107 mm, 110.5 mm, 116 mm) are noted, with overall O.L.D. 68 mm. Best for riders integrating a sturdy fixed-gear or single-speed build where frame clearance and precise tooth alignment matter. Caution: bottom bracket compatibility must be confirmed for your frame, as BB is not included and some sizes vary by model.
Who it’s best for: Fixed-gear or single-speed enthusiasts needing a strong, corrosion-resistant aluminum crank with a reliable 130 BCD interface.
BOLANY 170mm Crankset — 104 BCD, 34T/36T
This BOLANY crankset features a hollow integrated design with 170 mm arms and 104 BCD, paired with a BB91 threaded bottom bracket. It emphasizes lightweight construction (about 900 g total) and includes a bottom bracket and dust cap, along with removable chainrings for easy upgrades. The chainring options are single-speed with narrow-wide teeth for improved retention. Best for riders seeking an all-in-one upgrade with an included bottom bracket and a modern hollow design. Limitation: BB compatibility is geared toward 68–73 mm frames, so verify fit with your bike model before purchase.
Who it’s best for: Riders wanting a complete kit that includes BB hardware and a modern, reliable single-speed chainring in 34T/36T sizes.
AUTES Bicycle Single Speed Crankset — 170mm, 34T/36T/38T/40T/42T
AUTES offers a versatile single-speed crankset with 170 mm arms and 104 BCD, supporting 34T through 42T chainrings. The design emphasizes a tight chain engagement with positive and negative tooth chainrings, reducing the chances of chain drops. It uses a square-taper interface and is presented as a reliable, affordable option for off-road and urban riders. Best for budget-conscious riders who still need multiple gearing options and solid square-taper compatibility. Caution: available sizes vary by listing, so confirm your desired chainring size and BB compatibility before purchase.
Who it’s best for: Riders wanting flexible sizing across multiple chainring options on a 170 mm, 104 BCD square-taper crank.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Crank arm length and BCD: Most setups use 170 mm arms and 104 BCD for compatibility with a wide range of chainrings. Consider 130 BCD if you want a broader selection of teeth profiles.
- Bottom bracket compatibility: Ensure BB width and axle length match your frame. Common options include 68–73 mm shells and BB91 threaded designs; verify your frame’s standard and width.
- Chainring options: Narrow-wide teeth improve chain retention in single-speed builds. Removable chainrings enable upgrades or changes in gearing without replacing the entire crankset.
- Material and weight: Aluminum alloy cranksets balance strength and weight. Heavier BB assemblies can affect overall feel and pedaling efficiency, especially on climbs.
- Installation and compatibility with pedals: Check pedal thread size (commonly 9/16″) and ensure your crankset supports your preferred pedal type and spindle.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most universal crankset size for single speed applications?
Most riders choose 170 mm crank arms with 104 BCD because it fits many frames and supports a wide range of chainring options.
- Do all single-speed cranksets include a bottom bracket?
No. Some sets include a bottom bracket (BB91 or similar), while others require purchasing a BB separately. Check the product details for inclusions.
- Is square-taper compatibility universal?
Square-taper interfaces are common but require matching bottom brackets and spindle dimensions. Verify compatibility with your frame and BB choice.
- Are narrow-wide chainrings necessary for single speed?
Narrow-wide chainrings improve chain retention on rough terrain and bumpy roads, reducing the chance of chain drops on fixed-gear or single-speed setups.
- Can I mix brands for cranksets and bottom brackets?
Inter-brand compatibility can be good with standard sizes (104 BCD, 68–73 mm shells), but always confirm tolerances and threading before assembly.
Summary table of selected products:
| Product | BCD / Arm Length | Ring Options | Bottom Bracket Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNVB 170mm 104 BCD | 104 BCD, 170 mm | Various chainrings | No (BB width 68–73 mm implied) | Lightweight MTB/road builds |
| PETCHOR 170mm 104BCD (40T) | 104 BCD, 170 mm | 40T included | No | Customizable single/dual/ triple setups |
| GANOPPER 170mm 130 BCD | 130 BCD, 170 mm | Chainrings not included | No | Sturdy fixed-gear/single-speed builds |
| BOLANY 170mm 104 BCD | 104 BCD, 170 mm | 34T/36T options | BB included (BB91) | All-in-one kit with BB |
| AUTES 170mm 104 BCD | 104 BCD, 170 mm | 34T–42T options | No | Budget-friendly with multiple chainring sizes |
These five options cover a spectrum of needs—from ultralight, high-strength aluminum sets to modular crankarms that support a range of gearing and chainring configurations. When choosing, align the crankset with your frame’s BB standard, verify chainline requirements, and consider whether you want an included bottom bracket or the flexibility to select your own. The selections here are designed to be straightforward to install and easy to compare for straightforward shopper intent.