Stupid Question, Can I use road cranks on a track bike?

[jeremyjoyce]

I've got some FSA team something or other road cranks that are just hanging out, can I use these on a track bike?

[Dubbayoo]

Technically yes but you may find chainring choices limited. Track cranks have a different bolt circle diameter so the rings are not interchangeable. The Q factor may be different, not sure if there will be a chainline issue or not.

[bonechilling]

Yeah, if they're FSA, they're probably 130BCD, which means he should have no trouble finding solid, cheap chainrings. The only problem he might have is borrowing one at the velodrome.

There's no reason why you can't run road cranks. Lots of people think you need 165mm cranks to put your wheels on the track, but plenty of riders, especially taller riders, use 170 or ever greater.

[Dubbayoo]

Come to think of it my track bike ten years ago had a Stronglight road crank because it was actually stiffer than their track model.

[jeremyjoyce]

I found a TA specialties ring with a 130 BCD