basic help - single speed crankset

Hi there,
I hope have the right space for basic guidance.
I have had a fixed speed Langster for some years and it has been a loyal and reliable workhorse that has needed little maintenance. Recently I have had some creaking noise coming from the chainset/ (crank?) that I find annoying. Looking online I see it is not too big a job and would like to attempt changing it myself. Partly behind this is that I got hold of a ‘alternative bike co’ single speed for my 13 year old son as hopefully a way to get him into bikes and building. This too needs the chainset changing and other work. This is basically a long winded way of asking if anyone can guide us what standard set we should go for (nothing for performance but quality at a ok price). Would we need to change the chain(s) and back cog etc.. I think it they are the common threaded shimianno.

Any helpful tip and suggestions would be great

Thank you

I've got a really similar question actually. My commuter creaks like a bastard - currently running a cheapie stronglight crankset with mismatched left hand crank arm on a square taper BB. Was thinking about switching that up to an external BB with something like this from PlanetX... https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CSOOTC/on-one-external-bearing-track-crankset
So like you I'd like to know if it's any good - doesn't need to be amazing, but needs to be stiff enough for silly commute races and creak-free.
If you're changing the chainset, you'll need to change the chain and rear sprocket too - otherwise wear becomes uneven and it all feels a bit shit. Probably won't slip if you don't but you might as well. Pretty cheap, but you'll need a few tools too:
Crank extractor (if you're square taper) or shimano BB tool (if you're external).
Sprocket tool
A Big Spanner
Chainwhip
A Big Allan Key
Chain breaker

Tighten your chainring bolts

Hmm, good idea

Hey, Bashthebox,

thank you for this.. again basic enquiry: the current one is differant fitting to the type you shared a link to (that has a hollow bottom bracket type thing), will that workout ok - is it just a case of clearing all the componants of the old one and replacing with this..

It should be fine, the bottom bracket that it comes with will fit into the bike in the same way as your current square taper one. Be advised that the one it comes with is cheap as, and will need replacing fairly quickly with a Shimano one, which luckily are easy to get hold of and also cheap/durable. The on-one crankset it s a great one, I've had them for about three years and its never had a single issue

The number one solution i have found to stop creaking chainsets is to apply (copper grease) on to the bottom bracket threads and the spindle arm, copper grease is used for a number of things in the automotive world but is a main staple for the rear of disc pads to stop pads noise. This can be purchased from any automotive shop inc halfords.

We talking anti-seize stuff? Because I've put that on all the interfaces.
Tightened up the chainring bolts, and it's still creaky.
Truth be told the chain's stretched anyway and the rear sprocket is pretty old, so I reckon it's not the end of the world to replace all the bits and be shiny and new. And stiffer.