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Marin DSX - trying to figure out bottom bracket and crankset

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Marin DSX - trying to figure out bottom bracket and crankset

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flag chickenrunz
Posted: Aug 25, 2025 at 0:06 Quote
I have just bought a Marin DSX 1 with a square taper BB.

How do i go about changing the crankset to a 2 piece with 32T chainring and 165mm cranks?

Firstly do I need a new bottom bracket? How do i know the specs for that?

Thanks.

edit someone on reddit says BR-70/68 but then he said he replaced with a 68/73. how does that even fit if the numbers are different? does it help with which Bottom Bracket and crank to buy?
flag dirttorpedo
Posted: Oct 17, 2025 at 9:56 Quote
So first thing you need to do is figure out the specs of the bottom bracket shell of the DSX. I've looked online and can't find it, but typically threaded bottom bracket shells are BSA in 68mm width (road bikes typically) or 73mm width (mountain bikes typically). Then you need to figure out the appropriate bottom bracket for the replacement 2 piece crankset. Its probably easiest if you use something from shimano as your upgrade as ive had less issues with shimano external bb's on their two piece cranks.

I'm not familiar with 1x systems (and I'm old and like square taper) so not prepared to recommend an actual crankset
flag Superbianx
Posted: Mar 3, 2026 at 9:26 Quote
Nice pickup on the DSX 1 solid bike.

If it’s running a square taper BB now, then yeah — you’ll need a new bottom bracket if you’re switching to a 2-piece crank. Square taper and 2-piece systems use totally different standards.

First thing to check is your BB shell width. Most likely it’s 68mm (sometimes labeled 68/73 because some external BBs are made to fit both using spacers). That’s why the numbers look different — the BB can be adjusted with spacers to fit either 68mm or 73mm shells.
flag rhysjames0
Posted: Mar 16, 2026 at 22:32 Quote
Good upgrade choice
chickenrunz wrote:
I have just bought a Marin DSX 1 with a square taper BB.

How do i go about changing the crankset to a 2 piece with 32T chainring and 165mm cranks?

Firstly do I need a new bottom bracket? How do i know the specs for that?

Thanks.

edit someone on reddit says BR-70/68 but then he said he replaced with a 68/73. how does that even fit if the numbers are different? does it help with which Bottom Bracket and crank to buy?
flag switcherKj8jJO
Posted: Mar 17, 2026 at 2:04 Quote
Nice pickup on the DSX, those are fun bikes.

Yeah if it has a square taper BB now you’ll need a new BB for a 2-piece crank. Totally different system.

Most Marin DSX frames are 68mm threaded shells (BSA). The reason you see 68/73 on some BBs is they come with spacers so they can fit either width.
flag rhysjames0
Posted: Mar 17, 2026 at 19:47 Quote
Exactly right, good clarification on the 68/73 spacer system, that trips a lot of people up when they're shopping for BBs for the first time.
switcherKj8jJO wrote:
Nice pickup on the DSX, those are fun bikes.

Yeah if it has a square taper BB now you’ll need a new BB for a 2-piece crank. Totally different system.

Most Marin DSX frames are 68mm threaded shells (BSA). The reason you see 68/73 on some BBs is they come with spacers so they can fit either width.
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