slowpedal53

I have been thinking about a component upgrade for my Diamondback hybrid, which I use on unpaved trails. I will probably wait until winter to do new derailleurs but I noticed when cleaning the drivetrain the other day that the middle chainring has a chunk out of it. Since the chainrings are riveted, I'm up for a new crankset.

Is there anything I should watch out for? Do I have to be concerned with any bottom bracket issues or can I just find something with the right gearing that fits the spindle? The components on the bike are low-end MTB stuff, but can I use a roadie crankset instead? (The bike is a "road-oriented" hybrid, with 700c wheels.)

Also, is there any advantage in going from a 170 to a 175 crank?

Thanks.

hz536n

I swapped a 1990 NOS Shimano Ultegra for the stock Nervar on my 1984 Austro Daimler. Need to know your bottom bracket width to keep chain alignment right, look for a replacement Crankset that matches your bike's width. May want to swap chain and freewheel cassette also. Check Harris Cyclery...

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/

Also on the swap, I went from 170 to 165 mm crank length and, for me, the difference was a pleasant surprise. Crank length and frame size, etc are all part of 'fitting' the bike to your needs, riding style and comfort.

sydney

BB spindle length has to match the crank being used. If you have a 48 big ring,your FD may handle a road crank. If your big ring is smaller your FD coud have issues with a road crank. Derailers can be changed,but then you could have derailer/shifter issues.

slowpedal53

Thanks. Looks like I should do a one-for-one swap or get a new BB that matches a different crankset. I was planning on a new chain but I hadn't considered the cassette. Good idea.

If I change out the deraillers I will also get new shifters as part of an overall upgrade.