CRANKSET VOCABULARY
CRANKSET VOCABULARY
The first metric to talk about with regards to crankset is 1x vs 2x. 1x and 2x refer to the number of chainrings that option has, a 1x crankset has 1, and a 2x crankset has 2. A 1x option does not have a front derailleur, and can be paired with a wider gear range on the rear cassette, some argue that 1x is more aerodynamically efficient, and lighter. A 2x crankset provides 2 chainrings and is paired with a smaller cassette on the rear for tighter gearing gaps but maintaining the same gear range. Some argue that a 2x system improves drivetrain efficiency.
The next number people talk about is chainring size. For a 1x system a 40T chainring has 40 teeth that the chain can engage with. A bigger chainring means that it is harder to pedal, but you can achieve a higher top speed. A 2x system 34-50T is how the gear size is provided. This means that the smaller (easier) of the 2 chainrings is a 34T, and the bigger (harder) chainring is a 50T. Attached here is a handy gear ratio calculator to help you determine if you want a 1x or 2x setup.
The last variable with crankset is crankarm length and this varies from person to person. Here at Dimond we recommend consulting a certified bike fitter in your area to determine your crankarm length. If you do not know a fitter in your area this tool here will help you find a certified and trustworthy fitter! If you are unable to consult a fitter here is an online calculator that can get you in the ballpark. The crankarm length is the length from the center of the crankset to the center of the pedal threads, or as the name implies the length of the crank. A longer crankarm will require more torque at a lower cadence, and a shorter crankarm requires less torque at a higher cadence. In general it is best to size down your crankarm a little than to size up. Attached here is a very thorough and easy to digest article about the benefits of longer and shorter crankarms, this is a very helpful resource and the right crankarm length can improve pedaling efficiency and power output.
SHIMANO
DURA ACE (FC-R9200)
The Shimano DURA ACE crankset is SHIMANO's most advanced crankset ever made. It has hollow arms and chainrings to minimize weight and maximize stiffness. It is available with or without a power meter and can also come in a 1x setup. Without the power meter the 50-34T weighs 685g, the 52-36T weighs 692g, and the 54-40T weights 714g. The power meter adds 60g.
ULTEGRA (FC-R8100)
The Shimano Ultegra crankset utilizes the same technology that the DURA ACE crankset uses but in a slightly heavier and more economically efficient package. Available in 50-34T (700g) and 52-36T (711g) configurations, this crankset is also offered with a power meter (+60g), and a 1x option to supply you with any gears you need!
105 (FD-R7150)
The Shimano 105 crankset represents incredible value and performance from SHIMANO. This aluminum crankset features hollow arms for a lightweight, and rigid experience. This crankset does not come with a power meter option, can be setup 1x, and comes in 34-50T (754g), and 36-52T (770g).
SRAM
RED
The SRAM RED crankset leverages design innovation and provides the user with smaller chainrings and a wider range cassette. This allows the user to enjoy crisp shifting, and improve cadence and efficiency. This crankset can be bought in 46-33T, 48-35T, and 50-37T (Weight not given). This chainring can have either a spindle or crank based power meter added to it depending on user preference. 1x options are also available here.
*Note all of SRAM's 2x chainrings are compatible with all of their cranks. The same goes for 1x chainrings, they are all cross compatible. SRAM power meters can also be paired with anything.*
FORCE
The SRAM FORCE crankset follows SRAM's X-Range gearing philosophy. The tight 13 tooth gaps between chainrings paired with a wide range cassette provides more range with less shifting. These chainrings are slightly heavier than the RED cranks but cost a lot less! This crankset can be bought in 46-33T, 48-35T, and 50-37T (Weight not given). This chainring can have either a spindle or crank based power meter added to it depending on user preference. 1x options are also available here.
*Note all of SRAM's 2x chainrings are compatible with all of their cranks. The same goes for 1x chainrings, they are all cross compatible. SRAM power meters can also be paired with anything.*
RIVAL
The SRAM RIVAL crankset features polished aluminum crankarms and SRAM's X-Range technology. The addition of the X-Range gearing provides 13 tooth gaps between the little and big rings. This tighter gap when paired with a wide range cassette gives you fast reliable shifting with the gearing to take you anywhere. This crankset weighs more than the FORCE and RED cranksets, but brings the same reliable and fast functionality to the table. This crankset can be bought in 46-33T, 48-35T, and (Weight not given). This chainring can have either a spindle or crank based power meter added to it depending on user preference. 1x options are also available here.
*Note all of SRAM's 2x chainrings are compatible with all of their cranks. The same goes for 1x chainrings, they are all cross compatible. SRAM power meters can also be paired with anything.*
APEX
The SRAM APEX crankset represents SRAM's most entry level 1x setup. This crankset pairs very will with an XPLR cassette, and features aluminum crankarms. It works with any of SRAM's X-SYNC technology and can be bought with a 40T or a 42T chainring (weight not given). This also can be purchased with a spindle based power meter, and represents great value for those on a budget!