Larger Crank road bike

[Safwaan]

Hi 

Is it possible to put bigger crank (more teeth) on a road bike and what to consider (chain lenth, etc) if possible. 

[Shebeen]

20 minutes ago, Safwaan said:

Hi 

Is it possible to put bigger crank (more teeth) on a road bike and what to consider (chain lenth, etc) if possible. 

YES. but it depends what you have and how massive those pistons connecting your knees to your hips are.

 

Topganna with a 66 here.

 

 

[Mamil]

1 minute ago, Shebeen said:

YES. but it depends what you have and how massive those pistons connecting your knees to your hips are.

 

Topganna with a 66 here.

 

 

... and how hilly your neighbourhood is.

 

[Safwaan]

30 minutes ago, Safwaan said:

Hi 

Is it possible to put bigger crank (more teeth) on a road bike and what to consider (chain lenth, etc) if possible. 

Was thinking slight change from 50/32 to 52 or 53. So nothing hectic. 

[Mamil]

32 minutes ago, Safwaan said:

Hi 

Is it possible to put bigger crank (more teeth) on a road bike and what to consider (chain lenth, etc) if possible. 

IT definitely is - the answer, beyond quick jokes is that your chain will need to be longer and there are various commonly available chainring sizes - compact, super compact as well as casette sizes at the back.

[DieselnDust]

50/32 is a 18 tooth jump, 2 more than recommended by OEMs

if you’re opting g for mid compact I.e. 52/36 then you’re on the 16t limit for the front  derailleur. Depending on your bikes chainstay length you may need to add a link back to the chain to accommodate the 52/36

a 53/38 or 53/39 will require 2 links to be added

[Thomo]

2 hours ago, Safwaan said:

Was thinking slight change from 50/32 to 52 or 53. So nothing hectic. 

Common sizes:

50-34

52-36

53-39

Nice thing nowadays is that most 110bcd cranks accommodate all.

 

Edited October 7, 2025 by Thomo

[Safwaan]

28 minutes ago, Thomo said:

Common sizes:

50-34

52-36

53-39

Nice thing nowadays is that most 110bcd cranks accommodate all.

 

So only chain lenth might change?