The crankset is often described as the "face of a bicycle."
It affects not only the bike's aesthetics and ride quality, but also its durability and ease of maintenance, making it truly the "face" of the machine.
When choosing such a vital component, you want something high-quality that fits your style and intended use.
However, top-tier brands like PAUL COMPONENT and WHITE INDUSTRIES come with a price tag that matches their level of perfection. While many of us admire them, they can often feel out of reach.
For those who feel this way, I highly recommend the crank brand "MIDDLEBURN"!!
While many carbon and steel cranks have hit the market recently, MIDDLEBURN continues to be chosen as a truly reliable tool, combining the lightweight and durability unique to aluminum with a timeless, universal design.
What is MIDDLEBURN?
"MIDDLEBURN" is a crank brand born in the UK.
What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to high rigidity and durability through precision CNC machining.
Beyond the beauty of the parts themselves, they are designed to transfer the rider's power to the drivetrain without loss, providing a direct, solid pedaling feel.
Furthermore, they use "A7075" aluminum alloy, which is also used in the aerospace industry, achieving strength comparable to steel while remaining lightweight.
This choice of materials and high-level machining technology is exactly why MIDDLEBURN cranks are able to offer both toughness and lightness.
Additionally, the parts are designed to be disassembled and replaced, allowing for partial maintenance or repairs should any wear or damage occur.
This is a charm not found in mass-produced items and one of the reasons why MIDDLEBURN is trusted as a "tool you can use for a long time."
And above all, its simple, functional design—stripped of all excess—complements any frame, fitting a wide range of styles from classic bikes to the latest machines.
More than just a consumable, it is a "component you'll want to keep for a long time."
That is the true essence of the MIDDLEBURN brand.
RO1 Square Taper Crank / RO1 SQ Double Road Spider
MIDDLEBURN R01 Square Taper Crank
Color: Silver, Black
Length: 165mm, 170mm
Compatible BB: Square Taper (JIS)
Included: Lockring (MIDDLEBURN specific)
Price: 33,000 yen (tax included)
*Spider sold separately.
RO1 SQ Double Road Spider
Color: Silver, Black
BCD: 110 mm
Chainline: Approx. 43.5 mm (BB axle length 107 mm), Approx. 49mm (BB axle length 118 mm)
Price: 16,500 yen (tax included)
Direct-mount systems, which have become mainstream in recent years, offer the advantages of reduced power transfer loss and less flex during pedaling.
However, as they are proprietary, there is less freedom in changing chainrings, and costs tend to be higher.
In contrast, MIDDLEBURN employs a structure that secures the spider arm and chainring with 5 bolts.
This design provides a wide variety of chainring options, making it easy to change gear ratios and update your drivetrain. The ability to replace or maintain fine parts makes it stand out as a tool you can live with for a long time.
Of course, the smart looks and high rigidity of direct-mounts have their clear benefits.
But when viewed from the perspective of future customization, ease of repair, and the flexibility to change parts, a structure like MIDDLEBURN's becomes a significant advantage.
Please note that the RO1 Square Taper Crank introduced here does not include crank bolts, so you will need to prepare them separately.
MEDIUM Alloy Cup Crank Bolts Set
Color: Blue, Green, Gold, Red, Black, Silver
Price: 4,400 yen (tax included)
For that, I recommend the MEDIUM Alloy Cup Crank Bolts Set. Adding them as an accent color to a rugged-looking crank really brings out a great atmosphere!
Using these crank bolts allows for easy installation and removal with an 8mm hex wrench, without the need for special tools.
How to install the crank and spider arm
Information on how to install cranks onto a bicycle is readily available online, so I will omit the general explanation and focus on the installation of the RO1 Square Taper Crank and RO1 SQ Double Road Spider.
First, the tools required:
- Adjustable wrench
- Bottom bracket tool
Although it's called a bottom bracket tool, we are using it here to tighten the lockring. The engagement shape of this lockring matches that of bottom brackets like older Shimano XTR or Truvativ ISIS drives, as well as the spider arm lockrings for older Shimano XTR/XT/LX/STX-RC models.
At the Circles PIT, we use the SHIMANO "TL-UN95," which is now discontinued, but for reference, the well-known HOZAN "BBT-18" model can also be used.
First, assemble the crank and the spider.
At this time, ensure that the crank body is aligned with the grooves on the front side of the spider.
Next, screw in the lockring (MIDDLEBURN specific) included with the crank by hand until it stops, then tighten it further using the tool.
While the installation itself is simple, the crank is a vital part that transfers power from your legs directly to the bike.
That is precisely why it is crucial that the parts are properly meshed and the lockring is tightened securely.
Choose a "partner" you can grow old with.
From the very first pedal stroke, the quality of your ride changes significantly.
The crank is responsible for that important "point of contact."
The MIDDLEBURN RO1 crank is a tool that makes that contact more certain and enriched.
Overwhelming precision and rigidity, a reliable structure, and a beautiful presence.
It is not just about the high specs; the "reasons why you'll want to use it for a long time" are packed into every detail.
It's a genuine appeal born from the "user's perspective" that cannot be defined by looks or brand name alone.
And the freedom to grow with it according to your own style through repeated updates and repairs.
I believe that this "way of relating" to the product is the true value of MIDDLEBURN.
It's not something you install and forget; it's something you'll want to care for again and again.
This is a crank we want everyone who is interested in that "aesthetics of tools" to experience.
