I’m looking into new cranksets and after reading about the new red xplr groupset (that apparently requires a wide crankset), I’m confused as to what determines the need for a wide crankset. Is it the frame? Just the chain line? Rear derailleur/cassette set up? If I’m going 1x, does it matter?
As I continue to upgrade, I’m hoping to go with a 1x up front and a force xplr rear derailleur with a 10-36 or 10-44 cassette on a new specialized crux frame. I was looking at the Praxis Doon crank arms (if it’s ever in stock) but this whole wide vs not wide has thrown me off.
The drive side chainstay becomes the major issue with clearance in terms of tire size and chainring size. Bumping out the crank gives a little breathing room in this area.
Also, front derailleurs can also be an issue regarding tire clearance, so as the crank moves outward so does the FD. That’s why you need the right FD to run with GRX cranksets. I’d assume there is a wide-specific FD for Sram as well.
If you’re going 1x, you won’t need to worry about the FD, but if you’re building a bike with big tires, there probably aren’t many downsides to getting the wide groupset other than the fact that it’s a “new” standard which will likely change down the road. For now, though, it’s the best option for bikes with tight clearances…
Thanks for the input. Seems like for a current and likely future crux frame, besides q-factor, there’s not really a downside in going with a wide crankset and is probably the best way to “future proof”, correct?
Yeah, I can’t see any real downsides to going wide with a Crux other than that standard changing down the road. As of now, it’s probably the right move.
Depending on the gearing you plan on using, you could use a standard road setup too if you wanted.
Thanks @eddiegrinwald - Seems like wide is the safest bet. It will primarily be my cross bike but it’s also my only bike. The plan is to run a 10-44 cassette on my road wheelset with a 46 or 48 1x from January through august or so for my occasional road rides and then switch to a 40 or 42 chainring with a 10-36 on my cross wheelsets for cross season. I know there’s lots of caveats - 2 chains, etc but still cheaper than 2 bikes!
In a way, the wider GRX and SRAM Wide drivetrains just caught up with the wider road hubs we got when we went from 130 QR to 142 TA (135 equivalent) by adding ~2.5mm to the chain line.
