crank tighten big allen key conundrum?

aberfeldyweather
aberfeldyweather Posts: 44
edited June 2009 in MTB beginners
When i bought my new mtb the chap at the lbs was going on about tightening the crank after a few miles and I was nodding my head and thinking about getting my new bike asap and hoping he would stop talking.

now I have done said miles I am wondering what he said. The crank seems to take an allen key size of grand proportion that I do not have. It seems tight enough. Anyone know what he meant?

I recall some grave outcome if I did not.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    what are the cranks?

    as things bed in they can come looser and will need a nip up or the arms can fall off.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • nwmlarge
    nwmlarge Posts: 778
    it's probably an 8mm allen key bolt
    and if you don't tighten it the cranks can work a touch loose.
    if they start getting loose every pedal revolution will destroy the crank to bb interface to the point at which it will be throw away.
    if you are not near a bike shop go to any garage etc and they will have one
  • an 8mm allen key is what i need and is now ordered. many thanks