Mountain Bike Crank on Road Bike
Many bike converters are concerned about crank switching from one bike type to the other. In this case, it is about using a mountain bike crank on road bike.
There will be a shift in performance that you cannot ignore. To understand this change, you must acknowledge the difference between the two bike types and their gearing system.
Throughout this article, you will learn if it is wise to replace the road bike crank with an MTB crankset.
Difference Between Mountain Bikes & Road Bikes
Mountain bikes have terrible encounters when riding on the roads, hence the name and its purpose. They are quite the thrill for off-road trails or tracks only.
Road bikes, on the contrary, are slick and perform faster on pavements/asphalt. This means it cannot replace a mountain bike if you want to choose a rough terrain.
Moreover, they are lightweight and built to perfection for a speedy experience on-road. Road bikes can take you a long distance, whereas mountain bikes are more about covering the steep tracks to downhill aggressive cruise.
Gearing
Obviously, the gearing system does not match at all. However, instead of going over the entire design structure, let us focus on the topic – the bike crankset.
Tooth Count
The gearing and the tooth count vary. Since mountain bikes are all about uphill inclines, they have a typical 42 teeth (biggest chainring) and 22 teeth (smallest chainring).
Even the rear cassette has various teeth range on the cogs, from 12-28 teeth.
In comparison, road bikes concentrate on utmost speed, which leads to 52 teeth (biggest chainring) and 39 teeth (smallest chainring).
The rear cassette size starts from 11-21 usually.
Derailleur
This is a little complicated since there are different types of derailleurs for bike ranges. However, that small device needs alteration or replacement when switching to MTB cranks.
You have to adapt to the adjustments in order to fit that crank on a road bike. The arm length of the derailleur will also need fixing/substituting, depending on the chainring size.
Otherwise, the shifting index will have a non-ideal experience that does not match the cable pull/release as you expect.
Benefits of MTB Crank on a Road Bike
But wait, we are not saying it is improbable. You can set up an MTB crank on a road bike with only a few tricks up your sleeve. It’ll boost the road bike with better torque and other features.
- Low Gear Perks
Riding a road bike with a mounted mountain crankset enables low gearing impact. It is an advantageous option to add for cyclists/cyclocross racers who love challenging trails to accomplish.
Plus, low gearing helps people living in hillside areas and out of shape.
- Power/Strength
MTB cranks are typically made to withstand demanding stunts. So, when you install it on a road bike, the device increases potential torque, speed, and strength significantly.
- Appearances
This simple substitution for a road bike changes the ride’s look spontaneously. MTB cranks have got you covered if you are conscious of style points alongside the improved gearing quality.
- Utilizing MTB Crank Spares
Do you have spare MTB crankset that is in need of some action? Why bother purchasing a whole new set for road purposes only when you can enhance the road bike with mountain cranks?
Conclusion
The end result is that you can use a mountain bike crank on road bike if you are up for the change.
You just need to figure out the parts that need replacing and adjusting for them to work. Some bikes will require different bottom brackets, so do not forget to add that to the to-buy list.
Also, pay close attention to the derailleurs and chainring size before setting the whole thing. Good luck!
