How To Remove And Install Bicycle Cranks | Road Bike Crankset Removal & Replacement

Changing chainsets is not something cyclists have to do very often, but it's a simple enough job to learn to do at home, and it doesn't require any really expensive tools. In this video Ollie runs through removing and reinstalling cranks to your bike so you can change your chainset with ease!

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[gcntech]

Did you find this video helpful? What maintenance videos would you like us to make in the future? Let us know in the comments 👇

[buddytheweasel]

I'm just having a good ole time imagining people installing the left side crank arm parallel to the right side and riding their bike with both feet circling in unison.

[tpsd]

The hook on the parktool preload tool is actually for unhooking that retaining clip for the crank 👌

[mx]

If you don’t have the Shimano preload tool, you can also try with some pliers or scissors by putting them in and extending them (i.e. using the outside of the pliers to grip in the grooves). The cap should only require minimal force to turn, so it is quite doable.

[fmstrat]

Ollie, I should warn you that another well done bike maintenance video such as this one can only be a detriment to your career aspirations. It is well known in the corporate world that becoming known for mastering the details can hold you back in your climbing, your climbing of the corporate ladder that is. If you become too valuable to GCN as the "how to" guy you'll find more and more of those cycling trips around the world going to your colleagues as you stay there in the blustery UK wrenching on bikes in the studio. Take a look at Dan's ascent to the top and you'll get why you never want to get too good at what you're doing.

[observer]

Thank you, Ollie, for speaking slowly and distinctly. I was born and raised in New Jersey (USA) and I used to think we talked fast. You Tube videos have persuaded me otherwise. This one was a real treat.

[jaimeisreal]

Just want to let everyone know about Shimano 105 r7000 chainrings in the event of replacement. You cannot use (without modification) the older 5800 series Shimano 105 chainrings on a Shimano 105 r7000 crank. The 5800 chainrings differ slightly from the newer r7000 rings, as there's a notch/cutout on the newer version's rings. And although they're both Shimano 105 offering the same bolt pattern and bcd measurements, 5800 series Shimano 105 chainrings *cannot* be put onto an r7000 crankset *without creating your own notch on the 5800 ring(s).* Best bet is to buy the exact same r7000 ring(s) for your particular r7000 crankset (same teeth amount is important too). And I'd *only* buy 5800 rings if I knew exactly what to do to make them fit properly on my r7000 crankset, as they do need to be modified.

However, if you own an older Shimano 105 5800 series crankset and want to replace those rings, you can use either series' rings, without modification.

NOTE: The above applies to Shimano Ultegra r8000 as well.

Source: I own both versions of 105 and have done the modification mentioned above successfully. Always buy the correct rings though if you can.

[jameswitte]

Thanks Ollie. I’ve always assumed removing the crank was very difficult. Over the winter I’m going to try it. Thanks.

[jshepard]

Great video and I wouldn't change a thing you said. The only addition I would make is just a word of caution. When putting your crankset back on, you'll of course, as he says, not push the drive side all the way against the frame because your chain is there. So you'll put the chain on one of the chain rings, and then make sure you finish pushing the chain ring side all the way in. I had an issue with chain rub a few weeks ago and couldn't figure it out to save my life. Turns out that when I had taken my cranks off for a good cleaning, I hadn't finished pushing the drive side all the way in and it was causing the chain rub. So just take your time, follow everything in the video, and make sure to clean and re lube everything as he says. Have a safe ride!

[inVINCEible]

Would love to watch the installation/removal of Campagnolo cranksets.

[staffflag]

SoCal LBS are full-up with repairs and maintenance, so vids like this are much appreciated.

[oheso]

This might be a bit advanced for me. I'm still trying to sort out how to inflate my tyres ...

[nevillecocking]

Thanks. From Neville Cocking. Rode for Btitish team 1974. Cape to Pretoria. Ropport Tour.

[richardharris]

That's very timely, Ollie. Thanks. I'm just waiting for the bike shop to get the pre-load tool in, and then I can install my replacement chainset. They said they should get it by tomorrow.
On Friday the temperature got up to 25C here in Ottawa, Canada, but this morning it snowed, less than six months after our last snowfall. Arghhhh!

[danman]

Can you tell me how this stops squeeking?
Do you grease the bearings?
Should I Grease the entire shaft?
Should I oil the bearings?

[Jman-egzp]

This is way easier than I thought it would be, I would rather do this than replace tires.

[jastetky]

Ollie you should have explained how to preload the bearings more carefully as the preload has big affect on the longevity of the bearings. The GXP crank should have a wave washer on the drive side and the washer acts as a spring which automatically adjusts the preload. As the Shimano preload is a manual adjustment it should be checked with a quick spin by gently flicking down the crank arm which should spin around 1.5 turns or so. It is also good to check the GXP preload the same way and if the crank arm doesn't move in a silky fashion I recommend to take out the wave washer and lightly hammer out the waves in the washer to reduce the preload.
I'd also recommend to check for lateral play in the crank arms by clasping the drive side crank arm against the chainstay with your left hand and at the same time pull the non-drive crank arm toward yourself with your right hand. If there is lateral play then more preload or even a spacer is required.

[petermatteson]

The Shimano cranks are mistake proofed for assembly. The spline pattern won’t let you install them anything but 180 degrees apart.
Also when did they add the safety tab? My 7800 cranks don’t have it.

[carrotpatchkid]

Thanks Ollie, just worked in two bikes!

[SuperGamingeek]

Can you do sram bb30 cranks next? I feel like that installation/removal is a bit more nuanced than GXP. Also DUB would be nice.