ZEROING Road Crankset Review
When it comes to cycling products on AliExpress, opinions are pretty split. Some people swear by big-name brands, while others are open to trying anything. Personally, I’m the type who’s willing to give anything a shot and see how it goes. So here is what happened after 4000km.
ZEROING Road Bicycle Crankset
I recently picked up the ZEROING Crankset from AliExpress, and the first thing that drew me in was the design, especially the machined dimples on the face of the crankset. It has a similar aesthetic to the Ingrid CRS-POP crankset (the ingrid crank is $600+ ), which I’ve always admired. I was looking for a upgrade to my Omnium Mini Max to replace the heavy square taper 3 piece crankset (880g). So after 4000 km this is what are my thoughts.
ZEROING Crankset 170mm Length
Weight and other measurements
The crankset I received weighed 615g in total (pictured above) which is just slightly above the claimed weight of 612g from AliExpress. I’d say their product information is spot on and accurate. This puts in line with a Shimano GRX (RX810 or RX820)crank running a x1 ring also in 40t in its weight.
Q factor: 148mm
Spindle 24mm
Spindle length 112mm
Spindle wavey aera 13mm
Build quality
The build quality of this crankset is definitely worth highlighting. At just $72.53, I was genuinely impressed by the overall value for money. For a budget-friendly price, the crankset offers solid construction, but there are a few areas that could be improved. Specifically, the fit and tolerances of the chainring need some attention. I noticed a noticeable 1-3mm gap in certain spots where the chainring attaches to the crank. While this gap doesn’t significantly impact performance, it’s something to keep in mind when evaluating the overall quality and precision of the crankset.
One feature worth noting is the chainring attachment system. The chainring bolts to the crank using SRAM’s 3-bolt design, which opens up a wide range of aftermarket options for customization or replacement. The chainring itself uses a narrow-wide tooth profile, which helps to keep the chain in place, and is marketed as being compatible with 10-12 speed chains. However, I’m a bit skeptical about its performance with 12-speed chains. Given the narrower width of 12-speed chains and the slightly smaller rollers, I’m not entirely convinced that it will provide the same level of secure chain retention as it would with 10 or 11-speed chains.
On the positive side, the crankset’s axle is consistently 24mm throughout its length and remained perfectly straight during use, which is a great indicator of quality. Additionally, the threads for the pedals and the self-extracting bolt were cleanly cut, which meant there was no need for additional cleaning or adjustments before installation. The overall CNC machining was impressive, especially considering the price. There were no sharp edges, burrs, or rough spots, which is often an issue with lower-cost components.
Overall, while there are some small areas for improvement, particularly with the chainring fit, the crankset offers great value for money. With solid construction and the availability of aftermarket options, it’s a reliable choice for anyone looking for an affordable yet functional crankset.
Mill Creek MTB Trail, Lucas Heights
Would I purchase them again ?
After 4,000 km of riding in a variety of conditions, the crankset has generally held up decently. I’ve managed to put a few dents and chunks in the ends of the crank arms from encounters with gutters and stairs (I’ll admit, I tend to push my riding limits and don’t always have the most graceful technique I tend just to send it !! ). But despite these battle scars, the real issues have been a bit more subtle. Over time, I’ve noticed a 2-3mm gap in the chainring interface that’s slowly been getting larger, and the chainring itself requires frequent tightening , even with lock tight —especially when it starts clicking under load . While these issues might seem manageable at first, the play in the chainring ultimately became too much of a problem for me. So, after all that, would I buy this crankset again? The answer is no. The chainring play was just too significant to overlook in the long run. Back to Shimano for me :).
