SHIMANO M361 Hybrid Crankset (Black)

The Acera FC-M361 crank is low end in the Shimano family of bike components, But it’s not the lowest of low end Shimano components that title belongs to Shimano Tourney components such as my FC-M131 Tourney crankset for examplewhile the highest end crankset in the MTB Shimano family is XTR. Acera is still far better than Altus or Tourney. I originally had a Shimano FC-M131 crank which had 48-38-28 chainrings, the arms were aluminum with chrome plating with Black riveted steel chainrings. Unfortunately, after riding with the FC-M131, the aluminum chrome finish had scratches which that didn’t bother me at first and but the black on the chain rings started wearing away, something that is normal for these parts but is in my opinion super annoying and is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. Anyways, so eventually the scratches on the chrome aluminum crank arms started to bug me and even after buying a mild TurtleWax polish for metal surfaces, it kind of worked, but still not any better, then when I took it out of the box. I also came to realize that upon originally buying this crank, the only thing I failed to do was educate myself on gearing ratios, in other words, chainring(s) teeth and Cassette and Freewheel teeth ratios, and environmental factors, like hills, or flat land etc and why having a lower gearing ratio may help going up a hill or bridge etc. Because let’s face it’s easier to go up a steep hill on lower gear ratios Such as 42-32-22 chainrings which are far better because lower profile chainring gears Requires less effort to exert power when pedaling and thus equals way more power.vs.48-38-28 chainrings while they certainly give you more power you must exert more effort to get more power When pedaling and therefore that’s not a great combination.With that in mind, I wanted to cut my teeth ratio down anyway from my old crank, that way I could achieve better climb especially going up hills. Since there's some in my area, and Illinois can be hilly In places plus while normally don’t like to spend more money than the typical shopper I wanted to spend a little more than I did previously, but still try and get the best deal. So sticking to my plan I looked at multiple Shimano cranks as well as different MTB groupset families and different numbers of teeth on chainrings of cranks and the profiles of teeth. I looked at several including Alivio which I could have bought a FC-T4010 or 4060 hollowtech Crankset That would’ve worked but then that would’ve required buying a Hollowtech bottom bracket and the Park Tool BBT-9 which would’ve been too expensive for me. Though I have considered this but it might be too light in terms of weight because while I’m not a super heavy person my bike is built more for comfort and not so much for speed. So for me that wouldn't have worked. Even though Shimano Alivio is higher end MTB groupset than Shimano Acera. With that in mind when picking Shimano parts, I came to realize it pays to pick parts carefully and find parts that match in the same groupset or that closely match as possible. For example the Acera FC-M361 crankset matches with the Acera FD-M360 (Front Derailleur) and Acera RD-M360 (Rear Derailleur) Plus there all part of the same family of Shimano MTB Component Groupset: Acera. Same With Shimano MTB Alivio Groupset for example the Alivio FC-M410 crankset goes best with ether the FD-M410 or FD-M411 (Front Derailleurs) or FD-M412 (Front Derailleur) and RD-M410 (Rear Derailleur)Now with that said I originally purchased first an altus FD-M310 and RD-310 both lowest end Shimano MTB Family groupset Derailleur components but are higher then any Shimano Tourney Parts. Altus did work but were terribly cheap alternatives for derailleurs.So upon buying the FC-M361 (square tapered 170mm 42-32-22 chainring teeth crank with removable chainrings) I bought the FD-M360 front derailleur to go with it since I already had the Shimano Acera RD-M360 Rear Derailleur. Now if we made comparisons and contrasts of Shimano cranks on the market:1.)Chainrings on the FC-M131: not removable they are riveted on.2.)Chainrings on the FC-M311: not removable they are riveted on.3.)Chainrings on the FC-M311-L: not removable they are riveted on.4.) Chainrings on the FC-M430-L: are removable5.)Chainrings on the FC-M361 are removableAnd so on.So as you can see some models of Shimano cranks the chainrings will be removable or not removable. So for me riveted chainrings was a deal breaker for me, that meant if say I kept my FC-M131 Crank for example and 1 chainring broke but the other two chainrings were fine, I'd still have to replace the entire crank, for most shoppers that may be more or less expensive, while others just might buy a new bike altogether. So that was my reason for going with this crank instead. I imagine a replacement chainrings wouldn't be that expensive, and much cheaper then buying a whole new crank. Plus, my bike shifts so nicely, and More quietly than before! I've never been happier! Trust me This Acera FC-M361or or the Alivio FC-M410 are the best low end Shimano MTB components for any everyday bike rider and worth the money the Shimano FC-M410 is something I am considering, but the Acera groupset works just fine so I may or may not want to upgrade but will just see. To me it’s not worth spending the extra money for higher end Shimano MTB components unless your a racer. The bottom line is this if you are just a casual rider and still like to hit the trails once in while these components will work fine. But if your biking down a mountain or doing serious downhill biking then you might want to use components that will take that kind of punishment. I highly recommended this product including the other products I mention above.

Wanted to go with a single crank ring so I could delete the shifter and have one less cable since I dont even bother using these gears anyways. Picked this up and got a raceface single gear and bolted right up just fine on my cheap Walmart Kent Genesis bike. Great buy for those who cant afford high end top dollar mountain bikes or just starting to get into it and not sure if its for you.

The choices and reviews of FM361 were a little confusing to me. Hopefully this review and the pictures will help someone else choose. I ordered the 175mm, not listed explicitly as the 7/8 speed model. Zoom in on the box to see what was shipped - 175mm, 7/8 speed and the chainguard. The chainrings are also bolted instead of riveted. That should enable persons wanting to change or reduce the number of chain rings (likely with spacers). There are also ramps and posts in the rings for shifting. I'd read somewhere the chainguard was removable, but I wanted it and so won't be finding out. It will be installed on a 1999 Gary Fisher Wahoo, 3x8 speed. If there are any problems installing or using, I'll post back. The pictures were just way easier and better now.Very happy so far for my county/state park trail (rocks & roots) riding goals.

Bought this as a returned "used" item. Previous owner tried it on a existing BB. They found out they needed a 122.5mm spindle as witness marks on inner ring bolts show contact with something. Used this to replace a CT90 Autlus, Shimano still recalls. Bike shop wanted to screw me on the recall so I replaced myself. Shimano would of replaced the CT90 with a M131 Tourney crank with riveted chain rings. For almost same price this Acera fell in my lap. Replaced the BB with a UN300 68x122.5mm, the CT90E FD with a M310 and swapped the steel 42T chain ring for a Corki 38T to match high gearing of the original 95' Mongoose Threshold 3X6. This crank is beefy and beautiful.Update: 1/2/21. 95' Mongoose Threshold 3x6 chain line (130mm frame) was around 44mm. Shimano says 47.5/50mm chain line so I got a 123mm BB. Front chain line came out 50.8mm, rear still 44.5mm. Wanted closer to the 44mm chain line after I replaced FH to a 7 speed ( a 96' option). Found out Shimano recommended BB is to accommodate 135-142mm rear dropouts and thicker frame tubes. This crank works fine with the original 68 X 116mm CT90 BB. Chain line right at 47.8mm and within the FD-M310 range for proper shifting.Update: 1/22/21. Shimano UN300 68x118mm is proper BB for 130mm steel dropout FRAMES. Gives around a 46mm front chain line and works with the M310 FD.

Really nice crankset for a replacement or budget retrofit.I needed to save some cash and went with these, they seemed highly rated online,and are really inexpensive here.So I have to say, REALLY good.Not SUPER , or FANTASTIC, but a really solid set of square drive cranks.the chainrings/sprockets are cheap, but usable.The crankarms are solid a bit burly, and should withstand anything my normal legs can exert.I feel No flex or wobble.I paired with an Neco 68mm x 118mm bottom bracket and Alston 3 bearing pedals, and shimmed the chainline.Nice solid combo till i can afford the rest of my Sram GX stuff.NO complaintsI removed the largest and smallest chainrings now, and changed over to a single raceface 36 tooth, (since the pics.)

The small chain ring wore out, the one I use the most, on my 8 year old M361. Could not find a replacement chain ring online anywhere in US. Bike stores in Germany & the UK had replacements chain rings but with shipping it wasn't much cheaper than buying this whole new crankset.I wasn't sure about the plastic guard but on the occasion you scrape your leg on the outer chain ring (bicycling around dogs I hop on/off the bike quite a bit) you will appreciate the guard. Derailleur travel to the outer ring is hindered by the guard. But I never get into the large chain ring.

Me gusto encontrar productor que me permiten actualizar mi bicicleta, y poder usar los engranes actuales. Excelente tiempo de entrega, llego antes de la fecha compromiso.

had to add a washer for a spacer but works great

Exactly what I needed. Easy to purchase and received as stated in the emails.Highly recommended.

Great quality. Fast shipping and fair price.