Crankset speeds

Richard.S

Hi,
I have seen a crankset which states it is 9, 10, and 11 speed.

I have 8 speed at the rear, so my question is..... why do cranksets state they are for various speeds, and what problems would arise if I used this particular crankset with my 8 speed?

I can’t quite understand what makes a crankset only compatible with certain speeds?

Thank you all in advance.

robertpb

Links would help to said crankset.

tom_howard

the sprockets at the back all have to fit in to the same space, from 8-12, so they are different widths to fit them and the chains are sized accordingly. The chainrings match the width of the rear sprockets. generally if the number of speeds is higher for the chainrings/sprockets, you should be ok, but may drop the chain more frequently. if the other way round, you risk wearing the chain very quickly, and it snapping

the actual cranks themselves (i.e. the bit the pedal attaches to) aren't speed specific

Richard.S

Thank you very much for that explanation, it now makes a lot more sense!
Something new I have learnt today, so thank you for spending the time to answer thoroughly - it’s much appreciated.