Originally Posted by
delbiker1
I just got back home after a 37 mile ride, on my Lemond Tourmalet, with the crankset changed back to 170mm from 175mm. Much more comfortable and efficient for me. Hard to believe that a 1/5 inch per arm can make such a difference.
I can believe that. I was 6'1/2" but all arms and legs BITD. Never rode anything bigger than 170/171 until I bought my Fuji Pro as a second year racer with its 175s. Riding the same wheels and gears, I was instantly minutes faster around my 45 mile training loop. For me, 170 is too short and I pay a real penalty. No upside. Perhaps I would benefit going even longer but my knees really do not like even small crank length changes (I've had crhrondomalacia patellae the past 42 years) and 175s work so I haven't experimented further.
No, I am not saying everyone should go longer because it worked for me. I am saying that for some of us, there is real benefit to be gained (and felt immediately) by going to the correct length for that person. (And it is my belief that this is so personal that it cannot be looked up in a book.)
Ben