Bicycle Mechanics - Cranks?Splined or Tapered?

Im looking at buying a new crank for my MTB. I have no idea weather my current one is Splined or Tapered?Whats the difference? Is it the shape of the end of the spindle on the bottom bracket?Like a U or a V?(flat sides or thin to wide?)
cheers

Im looking at buying a new crank for my MTB. I have no idea weather my current one is Splined or Tapered?Whats the difference? Is it the shape of the end of the spindle on the bottom bracket?Like a U or a V?(flat sides or thin to wide?)
cheers

The tapered bottom bracket spindle ends are shaped like a square. The splined ends are shaped like a cog. The Shimaon octlaink has eight teeth. If you want to see for yourself what they look like you can go to the shimano web site, or any of the online retailers like jenson, supergo, pricepoint, nashbar, performance bike, to see a picture. Or better yet, you could get to know the mechanic at you local bike shop. When I was rebuilding my bike, my LBS became a great resource for information and enthusiasm about my project.

Without taking the crank arms off the bottom bracket you might be able to tell what the bottom bracket is be the type and age of your current crank. Sheldon brown has a web site with a lot of information about cranks and bottom brackets:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/bbsize.html

Happy Wrenching

Excellent! Cheers mate!Didn't think about checkin the on-line shops for pictures.I've just had a quick look an its a tapered i need.
Thanx again!

You're choices for tapered cranks is alot smaller now then splined.. So I would not solely base your decision on what you currently have. A BB is not that expensive, of course this is based on your budget also and what you are looking at achieving by getting a new crank.

i see.My BB is only a couple of months old so its got a bit of wear in it yet!I usually go through a crank and a couple of chains a year though so ill keep that in mind for next time!
Cheers