What I need to know when shopping for a new crankset?
First make sure your crankset will be compatible with all your other parts. Secondly make sure the bottom bracket spindle will be compatible with your new crankset. The spindle required is dependant upon the crankset and bike frame selected. It is imperative that the spindle length is correct for optimum chain line. Standard Vs Compact These two terms refer to the bolt circle diameter of your chain rings. You can also use chain ring bolt patterns to measure your cranks. Measure directly across the ring from bold hole center to bolt hole center (unless you have 4 bolt cranks, you wont have a bolt hole there to measure, so imagine one). The old standard is 110mm for the large and middle ring, with 74mm for the small (granny) ring. Compact size is 94mm/58mm respectively. Conversly, you can also measure between two adjacent bolts on your chain ring. Compact will measure 55mm and standard will measure 65mm . Note; If your bike is newer than 1994, you are almost 99% certain of having compact
