Another Cranks/Bottom Bracket question

[hebe]

I was trying to read the serial number from the bottom bracket of my mixte this evening, and noticed that there's a fairly sizeable gap between the crank and the bottom bracket compared to my other bikes. Is this normal? I may well be worrying unnecessarily as the bike rides fine. Thank you.

[Hi Ho Silver]

The gap is not a problem, unless you feel that the pedals are so far out from the frame that you feel "bowlegged" when you pedal. It is strictly a comfort issue.

[hebe]

ahh brilliant, thank you. I'm trying not to assume the worst because they didn't put air in the tyres before I collected the bike.

[laura*]

Here's how to check if your cranks & pedals are centered on the bike:

Turn the cranks until the left crank points up along the seat tube. Measure from the left side of the seat tube to any convenient distinct point on the left pedal. Now turn the cranks 180 degrees so the right crank points up. Measure from the right side of the seat tube to the corresponding point on the right pedal. Your two measurements should be identical.

Sometimes (especially on cheaper bikes) the manufacturer won't match the bottom bracket to the cranks. They'll use whatever bottom bracket they can get cheaply - even if the pedals aren't symmetrically located.

Having a gap between the crank and frame is common. There might be a similar gap on the right side - but you can't see it because the chainring and its mounting spider block the view.

[hebe]

Thanks Laura, sorry for the late reply. I'll do that.