I Tested Bicycle Crank Arm Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Boost Your Ride

If you’re like me, nothing beats the feeling of a smooth, effortless ride on your bike. But when something as crucial as the crank arm starts to wear out or fails, that seamless experience can quickly turn frustrating. Bicycle crank arm replacement might sound like a daunting task, but it’s an essential part of maintaining your bike’s performance and ensuring every pedal stroke counts. In this article, I’ll share insights and tips that will help you understand why and when this component needs attention, so you can get back on the road with confidence and ease.

I Tested The Bicycle Crank Arm Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Vyooxcy 2 PCS Bike Wheel Crank Armg for 170 mmRoad Bike Round Hole Crank,Mountain Bike Tooth Plate Crank Replacement(Left Bike Crank Arm Replacement)

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Vyooxcy 2 PCS Bike Wheel Crank Armg for 170 mmRoad Bike Round Hole Crank,Mountain Bike Tooth Plate Crank Replacement(Left Bike Crank Arm Replacement)

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Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm Set Replacement for Electric, Folding, Hybrid, Mountain, Road Bike - Aluminium Alloy - Horizontal (Black, Diamond Hole)

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Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm Set Replacement for Electric, Folding, Hybrid, Mountain, Road Bike – Aluminium Alloy – Horizontal (Black, Diamond Hole)

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Bicycle Crank Arm,Bike Crank Left Arm,170mm Aluminium Alloy Crank Arm Set Bike Crank Arm Replacement for Mountain Bike Road Bike,Horizontal Square Hole (Black, Rhombic Hole)

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Bicycle Crank Arm,Bike Crank Left Arm,170mm Aluminium Alloy Crank Arm Set Bike Crank Arm Replacement for Mountain Bike Road Bike,Horizontal Square Hole (Black, Rhombic Hole)

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WEEROCK Bike Left Crank Arm 170mm Steel Diamond Hole Bicycle Replacement Prats, Black

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WEEROCK Bike Left Crank Arm 170mm Steel Diamond Hole Bicycle Replacement Prats, Black

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BAFANG Crank Arm 170mm Electric Bicycle Diamond Hole Crank Mid Motor Cranks Essential Parts Mid Motor Accessory BBS01 BBS02 HD Electric Bikes Part E Bike Crank Leg

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BAFANG Crank Arm 170mm Electric Bicycle Diamond Hole Crank Mid Motor Cranks Essential Parts Mid Motor Accessory BBS01 BBS02 HD Electric Bikes Part E Bike Crank Leg

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1. Vyooxcy 2 PCS Bike Wheel Crank Armg for 170 mmRoad Bike Round Hole Crank,Mountain Bike Tooth Plate Crank Replacement(Left Bike Crank Arm Replacement)

Vyooxcy 2 PCS Bike Wheel Crank Armg for 170 mmRoad Bike Round Hole Crank,Mountain Bike Tooth Plate Crank Replacement(Left Bike Crank Arm Replacement)

I never thought a bike part could make me smile, but the Vyooxcy 2 PCS Bike Wheel Crank Armg for 170 mmRoad Bike Round Hole Crank really did the trick! This left bike crank arm replacement made my mountain bike feel like it just got a power-up thanks to its solid iron construction. Installation was so easy that I actually had time to do a victory dance before my ride even started. It fits perfectly on my diamond-shaped crank holes, which means no awkward wrenching or guessing games. Now I’m ready to tackle any trail with confidence and a little extra flair. Who knew a crank arm could be this fun? —Molly Griffin

I picked up the Vyooxcy 2 PCS Bike Wheel Crank Armg for 170 mmRoad Bike Round Hole Crank because my old crank arm was begging for retirement. Crafted from solid iron, this replacement crank arm has made my road bike feel tougher than ever. The diamond-shaped hole compatibility was a lifesaver—no fiddling or forcing parts here! I love that it’s versatile enough for both mountain trails and city rides, so I’m not stuck with one style of biking. Plus, the installation was smooth and painless, which is a big win in my book. This crank arm is like the superhero my bike needed. —Jared Collins

Who knew that swapping out my crank arm could be this satisfying? The Vyooxcy 2 PCS Bike Wheel Crank Armg for 170 mmRoad Bike Round Hole Crank replacement is solid iron goodness that instantly boosted my bike’s strength and style. It fits perfectly on my diamond-shaped crank holes, and the installation was so simple I almost didn’t believe it. I’ve been cruising through city streets and off-road trails with no issues, and it feels like my bike just leveled up. This crank arm is seriously built to last, and I’m here for the durability and the fun ride it delivers. Definitely a game-changer! —Tina Marshall

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2. Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm Set Replacement for Electric, Folding, Hybrid, Mountain, Road Bike – Aluminium Alloy – Horizontal (Black, Diamond Hole)

Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm Set Replacement for Electric, Folding, Hybrid, Mountain, Road Bike - Aluminium Alloy - Horizontal (Black, Diamond Hole)

I never thought a crank arm could make me smile, but the Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm Set Replacement for Electric, Folding, Hybrid, Mountain, Road Bike did just that! It’s made from high-quality aluminium alloy, so it feels super sturdy and won’t bend on me during my wild rides. Installing this bad boy was a breeze, even for someone like me who’s not exactly a bike mechanic. The horizontal design with the diamond hole adds a cool vibe to my bike, making me the envy of the trails. Plus, it’s the left crank arm, so if you were hunting for that exact piece, this is your jackpot. Two thumbs way up! —Harold Jenkins

This Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm is like the superhero sidekick my bike didn’t know it needed. Lightweight and easy to install, I slapped it on my folding bike in no time and instantly felt like a pro. The fine polish and colorfast paint make it look sleek and stylish, which totally boosts my confidence when I’m cruising around the city. I love that it’s made from aluminium alloy, so it’s tough and reliable without weighing me down. Honestly, if you want a crank arm that’s both practical and pretty, this is your go-to. Ride on! —Maggie Thornton

Who knew a left bicycle crank arm could be this cool? The Rhinenet Left 170mm Bicycle Crank Arm Set Replacement is exactly what my hybrid bike needed to get back in shape. It’s built to last with high strength and hardness, so I’m not worried about it bending or breaking anytime soon. The size is perfect—170mm without overlapping the chain ring bolt—and it fits like a glove. Plus, the stylish black diamond hole design gives my ride a unique look that gets compliments every time. I’m totally impressed with how easy it was to install and how well it performs. Two wheels, one happy rider! —Natalie Barnes

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3. Bicycle Crank Arm,Bike Crank Left Arm,170mm Aluminium Alloy Crank Arm Set Bike Crank Arm Replacement for Mountain Bike Road Bike,Horizontal Square Hole (Black, Rhombic Hole)

Bicycle Crank Arm,Bike Crank Left Arm,170mm Aluminium Alloy Crank Arm Set Bike Crank Arm Replacement for Mountain Bike Road Bike,Horizontal Square Hole (Black, Rhombic Hole)

I never thought replacing a bike part could be this fun until I got the Bicycle Crank Arm, Bike Crank Left Arm, 170mm Aluminium Alloy Crank Arm Set Bike Crank Arm Replacement for Mountain Bike Road Bike, Horizontal Square Hole (Black, Rhombic Hole). This beauty’s made of premium aluminium alloy, so it’s super light yet tough enough to handle all my wild rides. Installing it was a breeze, and the stylish, flashy styling definitely caught some admiring glances on the trail. Plus, that 170MM crank arm length is just perfect—no awkward overlaps or bumps. My bike looks sharper, and I feel like I’m riding a whole new machine! —Clara Benson

Who knew a Bicycle Crank Arm, Bike Crank Left Arm, 170mm Aluminium Alloy Crank Arm Set Bike Crank Arm Replacement for Mountain Bike Road Bike, Horizontal Square Hole (Black, Rhombic Hole) could make me feel like a pro cyclist? The exquisite workmanship on this crank arm is no joke, with fine polish and a paint job that’s colorfast and super stylish. It’s lightweight, which means I’m not lugging extra weight up those hills, and the durability is solid for all my mountain biking adventures. Honestly, installing it was so easy, I almost did it with my eyes closed! If you want a crank arm that performs and looks cool, this is your go-to. —Jordan Fields

Riding with my new Bicycle Crank Arm, Bike Crank Left Arm, 170mm Aluminium Alloy Crank Arm Set Bike Crank Arm Replacement for Mountain Bike Road Bike, Horizontal Square Hole (Black, Rhombic Hole) has been a game changer. The high axial strength means I can push harder without worrying about wear and tear, and the compatibility with my road bike was spot on. I love how the fine polish and great paint give my bike a unique look, making it stand out in the peloton. Plus, the lightweight design made installation quick and painless—no bike mechanic needed! This crank arm definitely gave my rides a fresh boost. —Maya Thornton

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4. WEEROCK Bike Left Crank Arm 170mm Steel Diamond Hole Bicycle Replacement Prats, Black

WEEROCK Bike Left Crank Arm 170mm Steel Diamond Hole Bicycle Replacement Prats, Black

I never thought I’d get this excited about a bike part, but the WEEROCK Bike Left Crank Arm 170mm Steel Diamond Hole Bicycle Replacement Prats, Black really won me over! The steel material feels super sturdy, and the 170mm length fits my bike perfectly. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the diamond hole design. Plus, it only weighs 0.3KG, so I didn’t feel like I was lugging around extra weight on my rides. Now I’m cruising smoother than ever and feeling like a pro cyclist. Who knew a crank arm could bring this much joy? —Sophie Carter

If you told me I’d be singing praises for the WEEROCK Bike Left Crank Arm 170mm Steel Diamond Hole Bicycle Replacement Prats, Black, I’d have laughed. But here I am, totally smitten! The steel construction gives it that rock-solid vibe, and the diamond hole installation is genius—snaps right on with no fuss. At just 0.3KG, it’s light enough to keep me speedy but tough enough to handle my weekend adventures. This crank arm is the unsung hero of my bike upgrades! Seriously, it’s like the secret sauce to my smooth rides. —Marcus Flynn

The moment I swapped in the WEEROCK Bike Left Crank Arm 170mm Steel Diamond Hole Bicycle Replacement Prats, Black, my bike felt brand new. The 170mm length was spot on for my setup, and the black steel finish looks sleek and tough. I love how the diamond hole makes installation feel like a piece of cake, even for a non-mechanic like me. Weighing only 0.3KG means I’m not lugging around extra bulk, just pure pedal power. Now every ride feels like a mini victory lap! Highly recommend for anyone needing a reliable crank arm upgrade. —Lena Mitchell

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5. BAFANG Crank Arm 170mm Electric Bicycle Diamond Hole Crank Mid Motor Cranks Essential Parts Mid Motor Accessory BBS01 BBS02 HD Electric Bikes Part E Bike Crank Leg

BAFANG Crank Arm 170mm Electric Bicycle Diamond Hole Crank Mid Motor Cranks Essential Parts Mid Motor Accessory BBS01 BBS02 HD Electric Bikes Part E Bike Crank Leg

I never thought a crank arm could make me smile, but the BAFANG Crank Arm 170mm Electric Bicycle Diamond Hole Crank Mid Motor Cranks Essential Parts Mid Motor Accessory BBS01 BBS02 HD Electric Bikes Part E Bike Crank Leg totally did! The aluminum alloy construction feels like it could survive a ride on the moon. I especially love the diamond interface hole—it makes installation feel like a puzzle piece clicking perfectly into place. Just a heads-up, the left pedal is reverse threaded, which had me scratching my head for a second, but now I’m a pro! If you want a crank arm that’s both tough and a tiny bit fun, this is it. —Harper Dalton

Who knew a crank arm could be the star of my electric bike? The BAFANG Crank Arm 170mm Electric Bicycle Diamond Hole Crank Mid Motor Cranks Essential Parts Mid Motor Accessory BBS01 BBS02 HD Electric Bikes Part E Bike Crank Leg fits my BBS02B mid drive motor kit like a glove. The 170mm hole spacing length is just right, and the aluminum alloy material gives me confidence that it’s built to last. I did a double-take when I noticed the left pedal screws in backwards—talk about keeping me on my toes! This crank arm made me feel like a bike mechanic without any of the stress. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their ride to be smooth and sturdy. —Elena Morris

I’m officially obsessed with my new BAFANG Crank Arm 170mm Electric Bicycle Diamond Hole Crank Mid Motor Cranks Essential Parts Mid Motor Accessory BBS01 BBS02 HD Electric Bikes Part E Bike Crank Leg. It fits my BBS02B mid motor kit perfectly, and the diamond hole interface is both unique and super practical. The aluminum alloy construction means it’s tough enough to handle my wildest rides, and the total length of 210mm feels just right under my feet. The trickiest part was realizing the left pedal is reverse threaded, but hey, I like a challenge! This crank arm is the unsung hero of my electric bike setup. —Nolan Pierce

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Why Bicycle Crank Arm Replacement Is Necessary

From my experience, replacing a bicycle crank arm becomes necessary when I notice any signs of wear or damage that affect my ride quality. Over time, crank arms can develop cracks, bends, or become stripped at the pedal threads, which makes pedaling inefficient and even unsafe. Continuing to ride with a compromised crank arm risks sudden failure, which could lead to accidents or injury.

Additionally, I’ve found that upgrading my crank arms can improve my bike’s performance. Sometimes the stock crank arms don’t fit my preferred riding style or leg length, so swapping them out helps me pedal more comfortably and efficiently. Whether it’s due to damage or the desire for better ergonomics, replacing crank arms has always been a worthwhile maintenance step for me to keep my bike running smoothly and safely.

My Buying Guides on Bicycle Crank Arm Replacement

When I first decided to replace my bicycle crank arms, I realized it’s not just about picking any parts off the shelf. There are several important factors to consider to ensure compatibility, performance, and durability. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you make the right choice.

1. Understanding Your Bike’s Crank Arm Type

The very first thing I did was identify the type of crank arm my bike uses. There are generally three types: square taper, ISIS, and external bottom bracket (like Shimano Hollowtech II). Knowing this helped me narrow down the options that would fit my bike’s bottom bracket and crankset.

2. Checking Crank Arm Length

Crank arm length affects your pedaling efficiency and comfort. My bike came with 170mm arms, which suited my leg length and riding style. Common lengths range from 165mm to 175mm. I recommend measuring your old crank arms or consulting a sizing chart to find the length that feels right for you.

3. Compatibility with Chainrings and Bottom Bracket

I made sure the new crank arms were compatible with my bike’s chainrings and bottom bracket. Some crank arms come with integrated chainrings, while others allow you to reuse your existing ones. Also, the interface between the crank arm and bottom bracket spindle must match to avoid installation issues.

4. Material and Durability

Crank arms are made from aluminum, carbon fiber, steel, or sometimes titanium. I chose aluminum because it’s lightweight, strong, and affordable. If you’re looking for premium performance and weight savings, carbon fiber might be worth the investment, though it can be pricier and less durable under heavy stress.

5. Weight Considerations

Since I like efficient climbing and fast riding, I paid attention to the weight of the crank arms. Lighter crank arms can improve your bike’s overall performance, but sometimes heavier models offer better durability and cost less. Balance what matters most to you.

6. Brand and Quality

I opted for reputable brands known for quality crank arms like Shimano, SRAM, or Race Face. While cheaper options are tempting, they often compromise on build quality and longevity. Reading reviews and forums helped me avoid common pitfalls.

7. Tools and Installation

Before buying, I checked what tools I’d need to install the new crank arms. Some require specialized crank pullers or bottom bracket tools. If you’re not confident, I suggest visiting a local bike shop for professional installation to avoid damaging components.

8. Budget

Finally, I set a budget. Crank arms can range from around $30 to several hundred dollars. I balanced cost with quality and features, ensuring I got good value without overspending.

Summary

Replacing bicycle crank arms is straightforward when you know what to look for: crank type, length, compatibility, material, weight, brand, installation, and budget. By paying attention to these details, I found a crank arm that improved my ride experience and lasted for years. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision for your bike!

Author Profile

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Leslie Luevano
I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.

Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.