taking cranks off a child's bike

tik33

hi all,

bought a second hand specialized hot rock for my almost 3 year old (almost brand new) - but he's a bit small. I've taken the pedals off but wanted to take the cranks off as he just bashed himself on one of them - couldn't quite work out how though - is it all one forged piece? had a quick google but got nowhere - anyone that has done this or knows how these things go together I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance,

Gus

baudman

I'm not familiar with the Spesh, but yeah, quite a few are one piece. Just undo both sides, and 'thread' the crank out from the BB. Watch the bearings, so they don't drop on the ground and get dirty.

When reinstalling, use lots of grease, if for no other reason but to keep them placed to thread the cranks back in.

redvee

OPC can be simply taken out by undoing the nuts on the non driveside, LH thread IIRC, after removing the pedals. Thread the crank out and keep the bearings in the cage, loose bearings don't work as the cups aren't deep enough to keep them in place. The actual cups in the frame might come out with surprisingly little force.

Park or Sheldon Brown are the places to have a look. Youtube might also be worth a viewing.

tik33

thanks both, exactly what I needed to know. found it on youtube too!

Cheers, Gus

tik33

follow up question:

I managed to get the crank off but then realised that the chain was actually attached through the frame.

do either of you know whether or not chains on a child's bike are designed to come on and off with ease? it seemed to have one link it in with a connecting piece but not sure if I prise that off whether I'll be able to get it back on again or whether it will involve buying a new chain or a connecting link (if they sell them separately).

thanks, Gus

redvee

You need a chain tool and push one of the rivets out to split the chain, I can't see the chain on a kids bike being under the same stress & strain as an adults bike.