The problem with BMX crank is weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The setup with the British bottom bracket weight about 2.5 pounds, which is much heavier than mountain bike cranks.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Can](\"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Can-You-Put-BMX-Cranks-on-a-Mountain-Bike-300x200.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nBut in a setup where strength is everything, the weight may not be deal breaker after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can You Put BMX Cranks on a Mountain Bike? (Into Details)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not the first time I\u2019ve read this question in popular bike forums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the short answer is yes, you can put BMX cranks on a mountain bike to save some bucks during the build.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind that the chainline of a BMX is different from that of a MTB, so you\u2019ll need to shim accordingly for the best fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That means adjusting the chainline between the bottom bracket bearing and the chainwheel crank of the BMX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll find fitting a BMX three-piece crank on a MTB easier than a two-piece. The 22mm and 3\/4-inch spindle with Euro BB would be the most appropriate to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Bottom Bracket Should I Get?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The first step to putting a BMX crank on a mountain bike is to get the right bottom bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just to be clear, and especially if you\u2019re new to switching cranks between bikes, a bottom bracket is a combo of axle and bearings that holds the crank in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s in the middle a bike\u2019s frame, right where the chain stays, seat tube, and down tube meet.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"bmx](\"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/bmx-bike-bottom-bracket-300x169.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA bottom bracket ideal for putting BMX cranks on mountain bike must meet the following conditions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- It should work well with either a 19mm or 22mm spindle. Rarely will you find a 20mm spindles (axles)<\/li>
- The bottom bracket should match the shell of the mountain bike frame<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
From what I understand, there\u2019s only one BMX bottom bracket that meets these two conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s called the Euro bottom bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a few, well-rated bottom brackets that you might want to consider, so I\u2019ll put the links to them down below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Fenix BMX Euro Bottom Bracket<\/a> <\/strong><\/li>
- ODYSSEY Euro Bottom Bracket<\/a> <\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You will love these recommendations because they are not only cheap but also well made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to understand that many mountain bike frames have 63 or 73mm wide bottom bracket shells, with some being even wider than the standard options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As such, you need to make sure that the bottom bracket you choose will fit the shell of your MTB\u2019s frame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Should I Install The Euro\/British Bottom Bracket?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that you\u2019ve selected the Euro bottom bracket that can fit your mountain bike\u2019s shell, it\u2019s time to install the bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s exactly how to do that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Check The Spacing Of The Bottom Bracket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is important because it\u2019s the only way to determine if the bottom bracket you picked will fit the frame of your mountain bike.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"bottom](\"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/bottom-bracket-spacing-300x180.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nYou don\u2019t want the bearing to bind or the crank to feel unstable, so it\u2019s necessary to check to be sure that the BB isn\u2019t too wide or too narrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Slide the axle through one cup and a sleeve onto the axle.<\/li>
- Add at most two washers and then put the other cup on the axle.<\/li>
- With your bike positioned upside down, place the axle parallel to the wider section of the BB shell<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Note how the cups fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019ll need a longer sleeve or an additional washer if the cups are close to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If they\u2019re far apart, consider using a shorter sleeve or removing a washer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The objective here is to ensure that the cups rest well on the lip of the BB shell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Cleaning The BB And Shell<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Skip this step if the bottom bracket shell is clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Otherwise clean, degrease, wipe with a cotton rag and allow it to dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lube the outer ring and threads of the BB bracket to keep it from making a squeaky noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Installation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use your fingers to attach one cup into the frame thread it slowly until it gets down to the outer ring and follow this by pushing the axle (spindle) through the cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now slide the sleeve and one or two washers onto the spindle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Can I Put BMX Crank on MTB If The Frame Doesn\u2019t Have Threading?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can still put a BMX crank on a mountain bike even if its frame doesn\u2019t have a threading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be clear, a bike without threading on its frame can\u2019t support Euro bottom brackets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But there are a few ways to get around this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Use an Adapter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- ODYSSEY Euro Bottom Bracket<\/a> <\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Fenix BMX Euro Bottom Bracket<\/a> <\/strong><\/li>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/FSA-BB30-to-BSA-Adapter.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=bkefnst-20&language=en_US&l=li3&o=1&a=B004N99NG6\")
\u00a0You will first need to install the bottom bracket. Then, apply Loctite 609<\/strong> or similar retaining compound to both the bottom bracket and the adapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n