Crank arm length
05-19-20, 08:58 PM
#26
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As some others have asserted, 165's will definitely be better for you than 175's given your stature and leg length. I'm shorter than you are and ride even shorter cranks, and that choice was originally made to save my knees. It worked. I found though that shorter cranks made the overall fit of the bike feel better, and helped to enable a higher cadence which is also good for your knees. Just make sure that you pick cranks that will permit ring choices providing a wide gear range, particularly if you're intending to haul much of a load.
05-19-20, 09:24 PM
#27
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175 might work for you but expect to make some bike fit adjustments over time to find what works.
I'm 5'11" and have 170, 172.5 and 175 cranks. For a few years I was in the "makes no difference" crowd. But the past year I notice, probably due to injuries and age. With the 175 cranks it's really easy to develop knee strain either from the saddle being too low for the knee angle at top of stroke, or lower back/hip pain from hyperextension with the leg fully extended. I still have and use 172.5 cranks but prefer 170.
If I was 5'6" with a 30" inseam, I wouldn't get 175 cranks. I'd go for 170, 172.5 at most, maybe even shorter if I could find 165 or shorter.
When I first tried 170 cranks they felt less efficient. My leg didn't seem to be working as much. But in fact I was consistently faster and less fatigued during and after rides.
I'm 5'11" and have 170, 172.5 and 175 cranks. For a few years I was in the "makes no difference" crowd. But the past year I notice, probably due to injuries and age. With the 175 cranks it's really easy to develop knee strain either from the saddle being too low for the knee angle at top of stroke, or lower back/hip pain from hyperextension with the leg fully extended. I still have and use 172.5 cranks but prefer 170.
If I was 5'6" with a 30" inseam, I wouldn't get 175 cranks. I'd go for 170, 172.5 at most, maybe even shorter if I could find 165 or shorter.
When I first tried 170 cranks they felt less efficient. My leg didn't seem to be working as much. But in fact I was consistently faster and less fatigued during and after rides.
05-19-20, 09:32 PM
#28
Full Member
Ah yes, the hill I'm likely to die on. I'll skip the complaining and just support the OP's decision to go with 165mm cranks; his knees will thank him. Sugino makes a very pretty (and rather expen$ive) crank in a variety of short lengths, the XD600T. Also, here's a discussion of the topic from a PT/bike fitter.
05-20-20, 04:10 PM
#29
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To be fair, at 6'4" you're used to short cranks, not long ones. Very different experience from us short people.
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05-21-20, 10:14 AM
#30
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Anyone over 6’ tall saying crank length doesn’t matter? I heartily agree - there is no known benefit to going with longer cranks. Go as short as you reasonably please.
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05-21-20, 11:59 AM
#31
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It is easier for a person with longer legs to get used to a shorter crank, and be fine with them, than for a person with shorter legs to ride a bike with long cranks. The person with short legs can have issues with their hips and knees with the longer cranks, whereas the person with the longer legs will not.
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