SRAM introduces two cranksets designed for fat bikes

SRAM X9 and X5 cranksets now feature longer spindles

The X9 and X5 cranksets have a lower 104mm BCD to accompany their lower 36/22-tooth gearing

Courtesy

Josh Patterson

Published: February 21, 2013 at 12:43 am

Component manufacturer SRAM is introducing two new cranksets that cater to the growing fat bike market.

Fat bikes are gaining popularity and larger component makers are starting to take note. Many fat bikes have 100mm-wide bottom bracket shells. This width is necessary to clear their voluminous 3.8in to 4.7in tires. SRAM's two fat bike-compatible cranksets come in at the X9 and X5 levels.

Unlike SRAM's other 2x10 cranksets, which have a 120/80mm bolt circle diameter, these two new models will have a smaller 104mm bolt circle diameter to accompany their lower 36/22-tooth gearing. Both the X9 and X5 models will be available in 170mm and 175mm crankarm lengths.

The x9 model has hollow forged aluminum crankarms: the x9 model has hollow forged aluminum crankarms - Courtesy

Price for the X9 crankset is $314, while the X5 version will retail for $169. Both cranksets come with SRAM's GXP bottom bracket.

Contributor

Josh Patterson is a BikeRadar contributor and former technical editor. He has spent most of his career working in the cycling industry as an athlete, mechanic and journalist. He holds a master's degree in journalism and has more than 20 years of experience as a cyclist and 12 years of experience riding and writing for BikeRadar, Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Dirt Rag, RoadBikeReview and Outside Magazine. A native of the Flint Hills of Kansas, Josh was a pioneer in the gravel cycling movement, having raced the first Unbound 200 and many other gravel events around the globe. He considers himself a cycling generalist and enjoys road, gravel and mountain biking in equal measure. When not traveling for work, he can be found exploring the singletrack and lonely gravel roads that surround his home in Fort Collins, Colorado. In addition to his love of cycling, Josh is an enthusiastic supporter of brunch, voting rights and the right to repair movement.