BMX cranksets come with three primary choices. You can select a one-piece, a two-piece, or a three-piece design.
That might sound more like a fried chicken dinner than an upgrade for your bike, but don’t be fooled.
When you have the best BMX three-piece cranks supporting your ride, you’ll be able to freestyle without any background worries of equipment failure.
The three-piece design is the most common option found on freestyle BMX bikes. They’re heavier than the other options, but that also means they are wider and more solid than the ones and twos.
Crank arms range in size from 125 mm to about 190 mm, although most riders prefer something in the 170 range.
Best BMX 3-Piece Cranks
BMX cranks are the metal arms connecting the bike’s pedals to its bottom bracket. Since these bicycles are used for freestyle activities, amateur and professional, the cranksets must be tough while delivering consistent forward motion. Most freestyle BMX cranks are made from Chromoly or steel.
Racing cranks are typically made from carbon fiber or aluminum to ensure they have enough strength and durability to handle any conditions.
One of the most common options for a crankset is a three-piece design. When you know which ones the best are to pick, you can create the setup needed for your next ride.
Here are the options you can trust when you’re ready to invest in better BMX three-piece cranks.
1. Shadow Odin
These BMX three-piece cranks were the signature addition to bikes ridden by Mark Burnett. When he was with Shadow, you’d find these slim, stiff, and strong additions helping him crank grinds and perform magic in the saddle.
You’ll appreciate how each one has a flat slide that minimizes contact with the ankle. The last thing you want is to bust up your foot while landing that trick you’ve been trying to master!
These Odin cranks use a 22 mm spindle and four different length options. Here’s a closer look at some of the specs.
| Length Options: | 160 mm, 165 mm, 170 mm, and 175 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 22 mm with a 48 spline |
| Weight: | 32 ounces |
If you get the chance to ride with the Shadow Odin BMX three-piece cranks, you’ll find a whole new world waiting for you at the next park you visit.
2. Fly Bikes Dolmen
With this option, you can select the 22 mm or 24 mm spindle-sized BMX three-piece cranks. They’re made with cast Chromoly to deliver one of the most durable experiences out there today.
I appreciate the D-shaped arm with the crank design, providing some extra help with bend resistance. Since one crank is connected permanently to the spindle, you feel like there’s a firm foundation to use at all times.
The fact that the Dolmen spindle is CNC machined internally (not outsourced or factory-direct) provides another confidence boost in quality.
Here’s a closer look at what the Dolmen cranks deliver.
| Length Options: | 165 mm, 170 mm, 175 mm, and 180 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 22 mm or 24 mm with a 48 spline |
| Weight: | 31.98 ounces |
3. Subrosa Rose
These BMX three-piece cranks are the perfect solution for anyone who wants something simple. It’s a back-to-basics approach that uses a 6 mm Allen bolt for adjustments.
The oversized welds and CNC spindle bosses, combined with heat treatments, are said to create a “death proof riding experience” once equipped.
If you’re thinking about this option, here’s a look at the specs.
| Length Options: | 160 mm, 165 mm, 170 mm, and 175 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 19 mm with a 48 spline |
| Weight: | 31.4 ounces |
What I appreciate the most about the Subrosa Rose cranks are the visuals. You’ll get that little bit of extra finesse with your bike’s aesthetics with this investment.
It also comes with the bottom bracket and cone spacers.
4. Salt Rookie
The Salt Rookie BMX three-piece cranks deliver a slim design, includes the BB set, and delivers plenty of strength and stiffness to the design. You’ll receive an adaptor for bikes running with the American BB shell.
Federal uses a heat-treatment process to deliver an impressive result while including a 24 mm mid-bottom bracket and spacers.
That design element gives you a comfortable fit without putting extra strain during acceleration or landing.
The only knock on them is that they’re a bit heavy. Here are the specs to review.
| Length Options: | 165 mm, 170 mm, and 175 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 24 mm with a 48 spline |
| Weight: | 51.6 ounces |
5. Demolition Revolt
These cranks have been around FOR-EVER. And that’s a good thing, because you don’t become a staple of a manufacturer’s lineup if your quality is trash.
You’ll receive a hollow Chromoly spindle with a heat-treated approach that keeps things remarkably light. There’s a full pound difference with this design compared to some of the others on this list.
Here’s a closer look at what to expect with these three-piece cranks.
| Length Options: | 165 mm, 170 mm, and 175 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 19 mm with an 8 spline |
| Weight: | 22.2 ounces |
Another reason to consider the Revolt cranks is Demolition’s commitment to a lifetime warranty against breaks or cracks in the spindle and arms.
6. Eclat Maverick
I go back and forth a lot when thinking about these BMX three-piece cranks. They’re one of the most unique sets you can find in the industry today.
The manufacturer uses a cold-forging process with 7000-series aluminum to create the cranks. That means there are zero welds on this product.
Eclat also includes heat-treated Chromoly to ensure the pedal bosses and spindle work like a regular crank even though it features forged construction.
Sometimes I love them, but some days, they’re way too different for my style. The flat sides with a rounded arm don’t help matters much.
Here’s what to expect with the Mavericks.
| Length Options: | 170 mm and 175 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 22 mm with a 48 spline |
| Weight: | 34.6 ounces |
7. GT Power Series
When the only thing on your mind is absolute strength, the Power Series cranks from GT Power are a go-to choice. They’re made with 7050 aluminum, making them one of the best in the business.
Several features are built into these BMX three-piece cranks to provide extra comfort, including rubber caps for the bolts. The design even uses an angled spindle boss.
If you’re tired of having your ankles receive a ton of abuse from your crank arms, you’ll find success here with this investment. They also come with a lifetime warranty.
Here’s a closer look.
| Length Options: | 165 mm, 170 mm, and 175 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 22 mm with a 48 spline |
| Weight: | 34,3 ounces |
8. Sunday Saker V2
When you need versatility from your cranks, this option delivers. They’re LHD and RHD compatible, providing a single-pinch bolt design that’s remarkably easy to manage.
It comes in black or chrome and includes the mid-sized bottom bracket.
The design uses a Chromoly spindle, with the cranks including the mid-BB with spacers.
If you are on your bike daily and get tired of blowing through your cranks quickly, using these won’t make you feel as bad. Use them for practice, then update your setup for formal events, competitions, or a serious ride.
The specs for the Sunday Saker V2 speak for themselves.
| Length Options: | 155 mm, 165 mm, 170 mm, and 175 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 19 mm with an 8 spline |
| Weight: | 32.8 ounces |
9. Eclat Tibia
With more than a decade of experience supporting BMX riders, you’ll find the oversized arm design being utilized by riders like Ty Morrow and Sean Burns.
They’ll likely say that you won’t find them riding anything else. There’s a good chance that they’re being compensated for that observation. Just saying.
Instead of using the classic tubular design for the cranks, Eclat uses more of a square shape for the 4130 Chromoly foundation. Each crank offers two bolt holes on each side to increase bike compatibility.
I will say that riding with the Tibia cranks does feel more natural than most designs. It feels solid and supportive without drift or sway.
Here are the specs to review.
| Length Options: | 160 mm, 165 mm, 170 mm, and 175 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 22 mm with a 48 spline |
| Weight: | 34.25 ounces |
10. BSD Substance XL
I’ve put these cranks on the list even though they’re not “technically” a three-piece option. They’re a 2.5. That means a single bolt is used to tighten them, but you still get the left and right drive compatibility.
The Substance XLs use an investment cast boss design, creating a look and feel that is as close to being purely flush as you’ll find today.
Here is the information you’ll want to know about this option for your BMX needs.
| Length Options: | 165 mm, 170 mm, and 175 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 24 mm with a 48 spline |
| Weight: | 30.4 ounces |
You’ll receive the mid-bottom bracket with these BMX 2.5-piece cranks to complete the installation.
11. Fit Blunt
When you take your riding seriously, you need a crankset that supports you in different environments. It needs strength, durability, and presence.
That’s exactly what you get with these cranks from the Fit Bike Company. They get rid of the sharp edges that can wear you down, which is how the crankset earns its name.
The heat treatment works to improve dent resistance, allowing you to attempt a few tricks that other cranks might not let you try. You even get the full bracket needed to run them with your setup in the box.
| Length Options: | 160 mm, 165 mm, 170 mm, and 175 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 24 mm with a 48 spline |
| Weight: | 30 ounces |
When you prefer a little width and don’t mind the blunted edges, you’ll appreciate the design elements of these BMX three-piece cranks.
12. Profile Racing Cranks No Boss
I’ve been around the BMX industry for a long time. Like a long, long time. We used to race our bicycles on homemade dirt tracks because we were pretending to be on motorcycles. At the time, no one ever thought about it becoming an actual sport.
I can remember my mother asking me what I wanted for Christmas one year. “A BMX,” I said. She asked if I wanted anything else. Never!
Profile Racing Cranks have been with many of us from almost the beginning of our journey. The No Boss option is my favorite since they’re a spline drive only. You don’t have to worry about the bolt holes.
It’s also one of the few designs that offer a titanium alternative. You’ve got tons of options available to consider – take a look.
| Length Options: | 125 mm, 160 mm, 170 mm, 175 mm, 177 mm, 180 mm, 182 mm, and 185 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 19 mm with a 48 spline |
| Weight: | 19.75 ounces |
13. GT Power Series
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly option, these cranks deliver an above-average result with their Chromoly foundation.
They’re not super durable compared to some others, but they are decent for the occasional race or day outside.
I might use these on my bike if I wanted to experiment with something new and wanted to preserve other cranks for later.
It’s about as straightforward as you can get with this design. Here’s what you can expect.
| Length Options: | 160 mm, 170 mm, and 175 mm |
| Spindle Size: | 22 mm with a 48 spline |
| Weight: | 34.3 ounces |
Do I Need to Install New BMX Cranks?
BMX three-piece cranks come with American, Spanish, or European bottom brackets. Each one follows a different installation process. When the current spindles and crank arms start wearing out or sustain too much damage, that’s the best time to replace them.
The first time installing new BMX cranks is often the most difficult. I’ve found the key to a successful result is to remember to remove the old bearing cup.
It also helps to remove any lingering grit or dirt with some fine sandpaper before using oil or grease to prep the frame.
With these BMX three-piece cranks, you’ll see performance consistency, comfort, and durability in your ride. They get the job done.