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Choosing the right 165mm cranks involves more than arm length. The crank arm, chainring, and bottom bracket must work together to transfer power without flex or creaks. A well-matched crankset delivers smooth, efficient power transfer, while a mismatched one causes noisy pedaling and premature wear.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
This guide breaks down the best 165mm bike cranks for different riding styles, from road racing to mountain biking, helping you find the perfect power transfer solution.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best 165mm Bike Cranks
Choosing the right crankset goes beyond price. It’s about matching the spindle standard and BCD to your bike’s bottom bracket and gearing needs. The 165mm arm length is only the first consideration. You must also verify the spindle interface and bottom bracket compatibility.
Spindle Standard: The Key to Compatibility
The spindle is the metal rod that the crank arms are attached to, and it fits inside your bike’s bottom bracket. There are several common standards. Cranks like the Shimano Tiagra use a hollow 24mm spindle (Hollowtech II) that requires a specific bottom bracket, while others like the EVOSID use a thicker 29mm DUB spindle. Your bike’s frame dictates which spindle diameter it can accept. Choosing a crank that doesn’t match your bottom bracket is the most common cause of returns and installation headaches.
Chainring BCD and Your Gearing Choices
The BCD (Bolt Circle Diameter) is the diameter of the circle that passes through the center of the chainring bolts. This measurement determines what size chainrings you can mount. A smaller BCD like 104mm allows for smaller chainrings, making it ideal for single-speed mountain bike setups where you might want a 30T or 32T ring. A larger BCD like 144mm is common on track bikes and supports the larger chainrings (48T, 49T) needed for high-speed fixed-gear riding. For double-chainring road setups, a 110mm Asymmetric BCD is a standard for compact gearing.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Crank Interface | Chainring BCD | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTB Crank Arm Set★ Best Overall | Value 1x Upgrades | Square Taper | 104mm | 1.9 lbs | Amazon |
| Shimano Steps FC-EM600Power Assist | E-Bike Replacement | Proprietary | — | 3.53 oz | Amazon |
| BOLANY 165mm CranksetTrack Star | Track & Fixed Gear | Hollow External BB | 144mm | 0.96 kg | Amazon |
| EVOSID R-SPEC Crankset | Modern MTB Direct Mount | DUB 29mm | Direct Mount | 0.71 kg | Amazon |
| Shimano Tiagra FC-4700 | Road Performance | Hollowtech II | 110 Asymmetric | 3.8 lbs | Amazon |
| RaceFace Aeffect | Trail Riding | 24mm Spindle | Direct Mount | 1.8 lbs | Amazon |
| Shimano Tiagra FC-4700 (52/36) | Semi-Compact Road | Hollowtech II | 110 Asymmetric | 4 lbs | Amazon |
| CobraCrawler Crank Set | Ultralight Singlespeed | DUB 29mm | Direct Mount | 0.9 kg | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. MTB Crank Arm Set (104 BCD Square Taper)
Our pick — 4.5★ from 250+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The budget-friendly ticket to a singlespeed conversion with a 104 BCD design.
This GANOPPER set is the crowd favorite for good reason—it nails the basics for riders converting to a 1x setup while staying affordable. The quality wins people over, with owners praising how the Alu 6061 arms and 7075 alloy chainring feel far more premium than the price suggests. It’s an easy install for a square taper crank, threading straight onto the bottom bracket.
Functionality is the other big praise, with riders noting it successfully prevents chain derailments, a common gripe with cheap singlespeed rings. The chainring is a 38T, but the removable 104mm BCD design means you can swap in a 30T, 32T, 34T, 36T, 40T, or 42T ring. Riders report it’s ideal for short riders, preventing heel strike and offering more pedal clearance, like a ~1.2lb weight savings over bulky stock cranks.
The catch is the bottom bracket. The BB is not included, and several owners note you need the correct length bottom bracket axle—often a 103mm, not a 119mm—to get a proper chainline and avoid clearance issues. The return on value is undeniable, but it’s a bit of a project to get perfectly dialed in.
What Owners Rave About
- Stunning value for a full crankset and 104BCD chainring
- Significant weight savings over basic stock units
- Versatile chainring options for custom gearing
Consider This Before Buying
- Requires careful bottom bracket axle length selection
- A few owners needed extra tools for the BB and pedals
Pick this for: the smart budget build—it’s a reliable, light foundation for a 1x mountain or cyclocross conversion.
Keep an eye on: the fit—this demands a precise bottom bracket choice to avoid a finicky chainline.
2. Shimano Steps FC-EM600 Crank Arm Set
A no-nonsense OEM replacement arm built specifically for Shimano STEPS e-bike motors.
This is a precision part for a specific job. It’s a genuine Shimano STEPS crank arm meant to replace a worn or stripped arm on an e-bike motor system. Its purpose is to transfer torque from the motor to the drivetrain, which is a different task than a standard bike crank.
Buyers report it’s a direct replacement with OEM quality, arriving in original retail packaging. The build quality is universally praised as excellent, with owners noting it matches the original spec exactly. Since it’s a factory part, it goes on without a fuss for those with the right e-bike system.
The key here is understanding the fit. A ebike owner noted that while the quality is great, it didn’t fit their standard mountain bike—these are engineered for the STEPS motor interface, not a standard bottom bracket. This is a replacement part for a specific Shimano system, and it’s on the heavier side, but it’s a slice of reliability for e-bike owners.
OEM Confidence: For an e-bike owner looking for a flawless factory replacement, this is the safest, most reliable option you can pick. It’s a direct swap.
Stick to it if: you have a Shimano STEPS e-bike motor—this is the perfect factory match.
Look elsewhere if: you’re building a standard bike, as this won’t fit a standard bottom bracket.
3. BOLANY 165mm Bike Cranksets (144 BCD)
Track-bred stiff and light aluminium cranks that promise elite power transfer.
The BOLANY crankset offers a lot of performance for the money, turning heads with its Hollow Integrated design. The hollow arms and integrated spider are engineered to boost power transfer, keeping the system rigid so your energy goes into speed rather than flex. It feels sturdy, just like an external cup bottom bracket crankset.
The kit is a complete package, including a BB91 threaded bottom bracket and two pads. The mention of a BB91 (BSA 1.37″ x 24T) interface means it’s for threaded frames, and is compatible with 68-73mm bottom brackets. Riders coming from more expensive SRAM Omnium cranks report these feel as good, featuring tension bolts on the non-drive side—a thoughtful touch for tracklocross setups.
This set weighs in at 0.96kg and has that race-ready feel, with owners noting it’s as good as the Dura-Ace cranks from their racing days. It’s a niche part for a specific purpose: builds where a 144 BCD ring is standard, which means track bikes and fixed-gear riders with larger chainring needs (48T/49T).
Pro-Level Feel: In a direct head-to-head, this set holds its own against much pricier competition—it’s a performer that won’t weigh you or your wallet down.
Built for: the fixed-gear or tracklocross rider who wants stiff, hollow performance without a boutique price tag.
A small note: you’re locked into a 144 BCD, so your chainring options are geared toward track-style riding.
4. EVOSID R-SPEC Trail Enduro Crankset
A CNC-machined AL-7075 armset with a DUB spindle for downhill-tough platforms.
This EVOSID is a serious piece of kit for modern mountain biking, built around the 29mm DUB spindle standard. The use of CNC machined AL-7075 aluminum alloy on both the arms and spindle is the headline feature, crafted for strength and impact resistance for aggressive trails. At 0.71 kg, it’s noticeably lighter than entry-level options and offers a ~35% weight gap versus heavier hollow cranksets like the BOLANY.
What owners rave about most is the build quality, with some noting its exquisite machining and how durable it feels after crashes, with no looseness or wobble. It’s a direct-mount crankset, using the same 3-screw mounting format as SRAM, which increases strength and reduces weight. The DUB spindle is also broadly compatible, fitting BB-BSA29mm, BB89.5-29mm, BB92-29mm, PF30-29mm, and BB30-29mm bottom bracket standards.
The market feedback is mixed on one specific point: the durability of the spindle’s inner threads. A few owners mention these can strip easily, which can ruin the crankset. However, others note the issue is often user error from incorrect spacing during install, and once set up correctly, it’s bomb-proof. It’s a high-performance choice that rewards careful fitting.
Performance Perks
- Lightweight 0.71kg CNC 7075 alloy arms
- Universal DUB spindle fits multiple BB standards
- Rigid 3-screw direct mount interface
Fit Expectations
- Spindle threads can be fragile if spacing is off
- Demands precise setup to avoid creaking
Choose it for: the trail or enduro rider on a DUB-based bike who values stiffness and low weight for aggressive descending.
Be precise: installation is critical here—get the spindle spacing right to protect those threads.
5. Shimano Tiagra FC-4700 Crankset (50/34T)
A pro-inspired road crank with a 110 asymmetric BCD for compact gearing.
This is the crankset that riders are switching to for a reason—the trend of shorter cranks for better comfort and aerodynamics without losing power. The 165mm arm length provides a balanced stance for improved pedaling efficiency, and the 50/34T chainrings with the 110 Asymmetric BCD offer a versatile gear range for both endurance rides and racing climbs.
Shimano’s Hollowtech II spindle technology is the key here, engineered to increase stiffness and stability, reducing flex for better power transfer. It’s also a lightweight design, a big step up from entry-level cranks with steel chainrings. Customers note it’s a perfect upgrade and weight saver, especially when paired with a Shimano Ultegra bottom bracket.
The consensus is clear: switching from a 170mm crank to this 165mm has been easier on the body, with riders reporting no loss in speed and feeling more comfortable. It’s a genuine Shimano part delivering smooth, efficient shifting under load.
Pedaling Upgrade: It’s the smart pick for a rider wanting to test the shorter-crank waters—a stiff, light, and reliable Shimano package that feels like an extension of your leg.
Best for: road cyclists looking to raise their cadence and find a more aero, comfortable position, without sacrificing power.
Note: you’ll need a compatible Hollowtech II bottom bracket to complete the install.
6. RaceFace Aeffect 165mm Crankset
A trail-tough direct-mount crankset with a cinch system for easy chainring swaps.
The RaceFace Aeffect is all about strength and simplicity for the trail. It is significantly lighter than a set of Shimano Zee cranks while being equally as strong, offering a stiff and reliable platform for aggressive riding. It’s a great example of a modern direct-mount design that does away with extra bolts.
Owners highlight the cinch system as a standout feature, making it a breeze to put together. Being able to remove only the drive side arm to replace a chainring is a great system for maintenance. The 24mm spindle is a common standard, pairing well with a wide range of bottom brackets.
The recurring praise is that it’s a solid crank that can take a beating. However, the most critical piece of advice is to watch for your bottom bracket shell width. There is a warning that these cranks may not fit a 68mm bottom bracket properly, as the spindle can be too long, leaving the drive-side bearing insecure. This is a crucial spec to double-check for road or older mountain frames.
Built sturdy: If you wrench on your own bike and ride a modern 73mm MTB frame, this crankset is easy to service and feels smooth and solid under power.
Reach for it if: you ride a modern mountain bike and want a stiff, light, and easy-to-service direct-mount crankset.
Check the shell: if you have a 68mm bottom bracket shell, verify the spindle length fits before you buy.
7. Shimano Tiagra FC-4700 Crankset (52/36T)
A stiff, semi-compact road setup with 52/36T gearing for fast pace riding.
This is the higher-geared sibling in the Tiagra 4700 lineup, offering a 52/36T chainring combination. That semi-compact setup gives you enough top-end for fast group rides while the 36T inner ring helps you climb. It suits road cyclists who want a stiff, lightweight crankset with a broad gear range.
The build quality earns top marks from owners, who note the shift from a stock crank is a “night and day difference” in stiffness and design. The Hollowtech II spindle interface makes it reliable and easy to install, increasing stiffness to improve pedaling efficiency. It’s also compatible with 130/135mm hubs and 415mm chainstay lengths.
Owners upgrading from basic units are blown away by the rigidity and the beautiful design. There is one crucial install tip that keeps coming up: ensure the crank arm is seated fully in the bottom bracket, or you risk stripping the left crank arm splines. It’s a simple installation process that just demands a little attention during setup.
Top-Tier Quality: For the roadie wanting a race-ready feel, this crankset delivers the stiffness of a much higher-end groupset at a Tiagra-friendly level.
Choose it for: a rider after a legit, stiff performance upgrade for a 10-speed road bike.
Install with care: seat the arm properly in the bottom bracket to protect the splines during installation.
8. CobraCrawler Ultralight MTB Crank Set
A lightweight, versatile DUB crankset with broad compatibility for multiple speeds.
This CobraCrawler set is built around a 29mm DUB spindle and a direct-mount design, offering incredibly broad compatibility for a range of drivetrain speeds, from 8-speed to 12-speed systems. The crank arms, DUB shaft, and chainring are all forged from AL-7075 aluminum alloy, known for its strength and light weight.
Owners are impressed with the aesthetics and the lightweight feel, often comparing the value to far more expensive 5DEV cranks. They praise how easy it is to set up on your own, with one rider getting it shifting through all 11 gears on the first try. It’s a great choice for a lightweight singlespeed or a weight-conscious trail build.
The feedback is a bit mixed on long-term smoothness. While many find it perfect, there are reports of a creaky crankset right from the start, with one owner recommending it only for light commuting. Another owner was able to fix a separate install issue with some blue Loctite. It offers top-tier material specs for the price, but there’s a slight gamble on finishing consistency.
Weight Weenie Wins
- Broad 8/9/10/11/12-speed compatibility
- Anodized finishes resist wear and look sharp
- Exceptionally light at 0.9 kg with a DUB spindle
Quality Control
- A few units have creaking issues from the start
- Probably not the best pick for hard enduro abuse
Ideal for: the rider seeking a gram-shaving DUB mountain bike upgrade on a budget.
Manage expectations: treat it as a performance road or light trail part, not a heavy-hitting DH component.
Understanding the Specs
Bottom Bracket Interface
The interface is how your crank arm attaches to the frame. The most common is the square taper, where a square hole on the crank fits onto a square-tapered spindle, a technology often found on budget bikes.
Modern bikes often use a hollow external bearing system, where the spindle is pressed into cups threaded into the frame. The large 29mm DUB standard is popular on mountain bikes, providing a stiff and durable platform. Always match the crank’s spindle standard to your frame’s bottom bracket shell.
Crank Arm Length
The 165mm length measures from the bottom bracket center to the pedal center. Shorter cranks like these improve pedaling efficiency and clear the ground better on rough terrain, so they are a popular choice for many riders.
Longer cranks give you more leverage for climbing but can make your feet hit the front wheel when turning. Your height, flexibility, and pedaling style usually decide which arm length works best for you.
Chainring BCD (Bolt Circle Diameter)
The BCD is the diameter of the circle that runs through the center of your chainring bolts. It dictates which chainrings you can install. A 104mm BCD is standard for 1x mountain bike setups, allowing for smaller rings like 32T.
A 144mm BCD is common on track bikes and fixed-gear bikes, supporting large rings like 48T and 49T for high top-end speed. Road cranks often use a 110mm Asymmetric BCD for compact gearing with smaller inner rings.
Spindle Material
The spindle is the metal shaft connecting your crank arms, and it has to handle all your pedaling torque. A hollow spindle, like Shimano’s Hollowtech II, reduces weight without sacrificing stiffness.
CNC-machined aluminum spindles, often 7075 alloy, are common on performance mountain bike cranks, offering a balance of low weight and high impact resistance. Steel spindles are heavier and typically found on budget or single-speed bikes.
FAQ
What is the difference between 104 BCD and 144 BCD cranks?
Will a 29mm DUB crankset fit my bike’s bottom bracket?
Will a 165mm crank arm be a good upgrade from a 170mm?
What does direct mount mean on a mountain bike crankset?
How do I know if I need a new bottom bracket with my new cranks?
Why are 165mm cranks popular for track and velodrome riding?
Is a lighter crankset always better?
What tools are required to install a new crankset?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most riders, the 165mm bike cranks winner is the MTB Crank Arm Set because it delivers incredible weight savings and a flexible 104 BCD for 1x conversions at a budget-friendly price. If you want a race-ready road upgrade with a pro-inspired shorter length, grab the Shimano Tiagra FC-4700. And for a stiff, hollow track build, the BOLANY 165mm Crankset is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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