The 10 Best Road Bike Cranksets

Updated December 14, 2018 by Chase Brush

We spent 23 hours on research, videography, and editing, to review the top picks for this wiki. When considering the anatomy of a road bike, few components are quite as important as the crankset. This part, which is actually a collection of individual pieces -- including chainrings, the pedal arms themselves, and sometimes a bottom bracket -- is crucial to a cycle's operation, turning leg pressure into forward propulsion. The models on this list meet a range of budgets and quality markers. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to support our work. Skip to the best road bike crankset on Amazon.

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10. Shimano M361 Hybrid

You wouldn't want to put it on your new carbon cycle, but the Shimano M361 Hybrid is a decent choice for anyone in need of a replacement option at an affordable price. Its chainrings are fully replaceable, and it's compatible with any bike with a square bottom bracket.

Comes with chain guard
Easy to install and remove
Not very lightweight

Brand	SHIMANO
Model	EFCM361E222CL
Weight	2.9 pounds
Rating	4.9 / 5.0

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9. Vuelta Corsa Comp SQ

If you've got an older bike and want to upgrade its shifting mechanism from friction to indexed, check out the Vuelta Corsa Comp SQ. This affordable model is designed for the latter method, with 53T/39T gearing, two steel rings, and two cold-forged alloy crank arms.

Available in 170 and 175mm sizes
Fits 110mm bottom brackets
Black finish scratches easily

Brand	Vuelta
Model	pending
Weight	pending
Rating	4.7 / 5.0

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8. Sram S300 Courier

For urban riders who want to simplify their setup, the single-speed Sram S300 Courier is a great way to do it. The ring itself is surprisingly light given how stiff it feels, while the thick crank arms help transfer power efficiently. Plus, it comes with a bottom bracket.

Visually appealing design
Available in 165mm and 170mm sizes
Not for multi-gear bikes

Brand	SRAM
Model	00.6118.121.000
Weight	2.7 pounds
Rating	4.7 / 5.0

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7. Origin8 XLT Road

While other models are only available in one or two variations, the Origin8 XLT Road comes with parts in a range of proportions that make finding the right one for your setup a breeze. There are 170, 172, and 175mm options to choose from, plus compact and standard sizes.

Integrated bottom bracket
All stainless steel hardware
Does not include chain guard

Brand	Origin8
Model	pending
Weight	pending
Rating	4.8 / 5.0

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6. Shimano 105 Triple

Looking for a high-performance option but don't have the budget to afford one? Your best bet might be the Shimano 105 Triple, which boasts most of the specs of more advanced models at nearly half the price. The sleek, 3D-formed cranks are especially enviable.

Compatible with 10-speed cassettes
Also comes in sterling silver
Replacement rings can be costly

Brand	SHIMANO
Model	IFC5703AX090L
Weight	5.4 pounds
Rating	4.6 / 5.0

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5. FSA K-Force Light 386

Professional and hardcore riders will appreciate the FSA K-Force Light 386, whose no-compromise design, featuring hollowed-out, carbon fiber crank arms, makes it one of the lightest around. Of course, it doesn't compromise on price, either, so this one will cost you.

Feels extremely stiff
Great for racing and cyclocross
Not for the average user

Brand	FSAAA
Model	336-0003BKGXB
Weight	3.2 pounds
Rating	5.0 / 5.0

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4. Sugino XD600

If you've got a tourer, you'll love the quality and durability of this Sugino XD600. This three-ring model works seamlessly with most 7 and 8-speed cassettes, plus it boasts a specialized tooth profile that helps improve shifting performance and minimizes chain suck.

Weighs 690 grams
Attractive silver finish
Not ideal for strict road bikes

Brand	Sugino
Model	pending
Weight	2.3 pounds
Rating	4.6 / 5.0

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3. Shimano Dura-Ace FC-9000

It's not cheap, but the Shimano Dura-Ace FC-9000 is hands-down one of the most widely-respected options on the market today. Its unique four-arm spider does a great job of remaining stiff under duress, while its Hollowtech construction keeps its weight to a minimum.

Replacement chainrings available
One-size-fits-all cranks
Best for competitive applications

Brand	SHIMANO
Model	IFC9000DX04
Weight	3.9 pounds
Rating	4.7 / 5.0

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2. Sram Red22 GXP

Featuring a razor-thin profile that looks almost like a table saw, the Sram Red22 GXP will have even casual cyclists riding at peak performance levels. It's one of the lightest, sleekest and quietest sets out there, with a hollow carbon construction and X Glide chainrings.

Very smooth shifting
Spider is hollow too
Unique bolt pattern

Brand	SRAM
Model	00.6118.106.003
Weight	2.3 pounds
Rating	4.5 / 5.0

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1. Shimano 6800 Ultegra

Modeled after the company's popular Dura-Ace, the Shimano 6800 Ultegra offers all the advantages of its pro-level sibling at a reduced cost. That makes it one of the best values around, not just for competitive racers, but also regular cyclists who want to up their game.

Very stiff four-arm design
Compatible with 11-speed bikes
Manufactured in japan

Brand	SHIMANO
Model	IFC6800DX04
Weight	2.5 pounds
Rating	4.9 / 5.0

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Editor's Notes

December 11, 2018: Whether you're a hardcore cyclist or a weekender cruiser, having a crankset that suits your needs is essential. The right one can mean improved performance and an overall more comfortable ride, while the wrong one can make you work harder than you have to. Realizing the variety of budgets and riding levels out there, we put together a list that includes models for everyone, from the supremely affordable Shimano M361 to the pro-level FSA K-Force Light. We even threw in the single-speed SRAM S300 Courier for all the urban road warriors out there.

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Last updated on December 14, 2018 by Chase Brush

Chase is a freelance journalist with experience working in the areas of politics and public policy. Currently based in Brooklyn, NY, he is also a hopeless itinerant continually awaiting his next Great Escape.

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