Carbon Crankarms. Proven DUB Fitment. Available in 52mm and 55mm Chainlines.
The SRAM Eagle S500 Crankset brings carbon crankarms to the conventional Eagle drivetrain range without adding unnecessary complexity. Each of the variants stocked by Chain Reaction includes a 32T aluminium X-SYNC 2 chainring and is available with either 170mm or 175mm crankarms.
The choice between the 52mm Boost and 55mm Wide versions is important. Both may be found on bikes with Boost rear hubs, so the correct option should be based on the frame and existing crank specification rather than hub spacing alone.
Lightweight Carbon Crankarms
Carbon crankarms reduce weight while maintaining the stiffness needed for efficient pedalling. The S500 sits above SRAM’s aluminium S100 and S200 cranksets, making it a worthwhile upgrade for riders looking to reduce weight without moving away from the established Eagle drivetrain system.
Carbon still needs to be treated with care. Pedals should be installed with suitable grease and tightened correctly, while crank boots are worth considering on bikes regularly ridden through rocks and rough terrain.
32T Aluminium X-SYNC 2 Chainring
A 32T aluminium X-SYNC 2 direct-mount chainring is included. SRAM’s alternating tooth profile helps keep a conventional Eagle chain engaged over rough ground while also providing clearance for dirt and mud.
A 32T ring is a useful all-round choice for trail riding. Riders tackling particularly steep terrain or using heavier bikes may prefer a 30T ring, while stronger riders on faster terrain may want a 34T option. Replacement rings must have the correct three-bolt mount and chainline offset.
52mm or 55mm Chainline
The standard Boost version provides a 52mm chainline. The Wide version provides a 55mm chainline for frames designed around SRAM’s wider crank configuration.
Do not choose the 55mm option simply because the bike has a 148mm Boost rear hub. Modern Boost bikes may use either chainline. Check the bike manufacturer’s specification, the model information on the existing crankset or ask our workshop before ordering.
Choose the Right Crank Length
Chain Reaction stocks the S500 in 170mm and 175mm lengths. A 170mm crank provides slightly more ground and knee clearance and is now a common choice on trail bikes. A 175mm crank gives a little more leverage and may suit taller riders or bikes where pedal clearance is less of a concern.
Crank length is not determined by rider height alone. Bike geometry, saddle position, hip mobility and the terrain being ridden all matter, so replacing like for like is normally the safest option unless you are making a considered fit change.
SRAM DUB Spindle
The DUB spindle is designed to work with an appropriate SRAM DUB bottom bracket selected for the frame’s bottom bracket shell.
The bottom bracket is not included. The correct bottom bracket and spacer arrangement depend on the frame and whether the standard or Wide crankset is being installed.
Key Features
- Carbon crankarms reduce weight while maintaining pedalling stiffness
- Designed for conventional SRAM Eagle 1x drivetrains
- 32T aluminium X-SYNC 2 chainring included
- Three-bolt direct-mount chainring interface
- SRAM DUB spindle system
- Available with a 52mm Boost or 55mm Wide chainline
- Available in 170mm and 175mm crank lengths
- Replaceable chainring allows gearing changes
- Suitable for cross-country, trail and all-mountain riding
Compatibility
- Compatible with conventional SRAM Eagle 12-speed chains and drivetrains
- Compatible with suitable three-bolt X-SYNC 2 direct-mount chainrings
- Requires a SRAM DUB bottom bracket suitable for the frame
- 52mm version suits frames specified for a standard Boost chainline
- 55mm Wide version suits frames specified for a 55mm chainline
- Bottom bracket is not included
- Not intended as a direct replacement for a SRAM Eagle Transmission T-Type crankset
Which Version Do I Need?
- 52mm Boost, 170mm: Standard Boost chainline with additional pedal clearance
- 52mm Boost, 175mm: Standard Boost chainline with a longer crankarm
- 55mm Wide, 170mm: Wide chainline with additional pedal clearance
- 55mm Wide, 175mm: Wide chainline with a longer crankarm
If you are unsure about chainline, check before ordering. The wrong version can place the chainring too far inboard or outboard, affecting drivetrain alignment, noise and wear.
Why Choose the SRAM Eagle S500 Crankset?
- Meaningful weight upgrade from an aluminium Eagle crankset
- Carbon construction without changing the complete drivetrain
- Proven DUB bottom bracket interface
- Durable aluminium chainring rather than a heavier steel ring
- Choice of two crank lengths and two chainlines
- Replaceable direct-mount chainring
Who Is This Crankset For?
The S500 is suited to riders upgrading a conventional SRAM Eagle mountain bike or replacing a damaged carbon crankset. It works well on cross-country and trail bikes where reducing weight is useful but dependable everyday performance still matters.
It is less suitable for riders who are unsure about their bike’s chainline or who regularly strike their crankarms on rocks. In those situations, an aluminium crankset may be the more practical and less expensive option.
Our Thoughts
The S500 is a sensible upgrade when you want to drop some weight from an Eagle bike without replacing the rest of the drivetrain. The carbon arms feel appropriately stiff and the included aluminium ring is lighter than the steel chainrings supplied with the lower-priced S-Series cranksets.
The part we would double-check is chainline. A Boost rear hub does not automatically mean you need the 52mm version, and a UDH frame does not automatically mean you need 55mm. Matching the frame manufacturer’s specification is more reliable than guessing from the rear axle standard.
We would also think carefully before changing crank length. Moving from 175mm to 170mm can provide useful pedal clearance and may suit some riders better, but it can require a small saddle-height adjustment to maintain the same leg extension.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
- Expert crank, chainline and bottom bracket compatibility advice
- Professional crankset and bottom bracket installation available
- Help choosing between 170mm and 175mm crank lengths
- Drivetrain alignment and chainring gearing advice
- Finance options available
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Ongoing support from our Christchurch team
Specifications
- Model: SRAM Eagle S500
- Model ID: FC-S500-B1
- Drivetrain configuration: 1x
- Drivetrain compatibility: Conventional SRAM Eagle
- Crankarm material: Carbon
- Crank lengths stocked: 170mm and 175mm
- Spindle interface: SRAM DUB
- Chainring: 32T X-SYNC 2
- Chainring material: Aluminium
- Chainring mount: Three-bolt direct mount
- Available chainlines: 52mm Boost and 55mm Wide
- Bottom bracket included: No
- Colour: Black
- Power meter included: No