Does crank length matter?
10-11-18, 10:56 AM
#26
Senior Member
As with anything, ride what ya like and like what ya ride.
SP
OC, OR
10-11-18, 11:21 AM
#27
Senior Member
It all matters.
As you ride & age
Your body changes.
pay attention to it.
Cadence & fit changes.
A 1/8 or even a1/16” can make a difference.
Gearing changes too.
Folks 5’9”, with 30” stand over ...... will have
many different fit specs.
Make small adjustments till you find yours.
As you ride & age
Your body changes.
pay attention to it.
Cadence & fit changes.
A 1/8 or even a1/16” can make a difference.
Gearing changes too.
Folks 5’9”, with 30” stand over ...... will have
many different fit specs.
Make small adjustments till you find yours.
10-11-18, 11:31 AM
#28
Banned
There you define your needs , you want high cadence spinning, I don't..
10-11-18, 11:51 AM
#29
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I have a history of sensitive knees. I get some sort of biofeedback that makes me ride lower gears and higher cadences ”automatically” on bikes with shorter cranks, which is more likely to keep my knees content.
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10-11-18, 11:54 AM
#30
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According to that formula, my "number" is: 153.
I've used cranks from 155mm to 175mm. My own preference and best comfort is in the 155-165mm range. Current bike is at 170mm.
Have been eyeing the Thorn Short Triple crankset (which goes down as low as 150mm for the arms).
Haven't measured efficiency and power differences.
I've used cranks from 155mm to 175mm. My own preference and best comfort is in the 155-165mm range. Current bike is at 170mm.
Have been eyeing the Thorn Short Triple crankset (which goes down as low as 150mm for the arms).
Haven't measured efficiency and power differences.
10-11-18, 11:11 PM
#31
Senior Member
Here is a pretty good article/discussion about crank length I read a couple weeks ago that talks about all the formulas and the positives and negatives of each one-
Steve Hoggs - Crank Fitting, Which One?
-Sean
Steve Hoggs - Crank Fitting, Which One?
-Sean
07-01-20, 01:19 PM
#32
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from this I should be using 165mm instead of the 175 that came on both my bikes ( gravel and road ).
https://bikedynamics.co.uk/FitGuidecranks.htm
Has anyone been professional fitted and have they tell you to use a shorter crank?
Most of my rides are in the 20 mile range. Longest 45/50 ish. Before I attempt todo a century I would like to get the bike dialed in more.
https://bikedynamics.co.uk/FitGuidecranks.htm
Has anyone been professional fitted and have they tell you to use a shorter crank?
Most of my rides are in the 20 mile range. Longest 45/50 ish. Before I attempt todo a century I would like to get the bike dialed in more.
07-01-20, 01:24 PM
#33
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Had a fitting a few years back where 160-165mm was suggested. Could get away with 155-160mm. 170mm's a stretch.
07-01-20, 03:44 PM
#34
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Did you notice much of difference on your longer rides ( 3+ hours etc.. ) ?
07-02-20, 01:37 AM
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Have only been on a couple 3hr+ rides, and that was decades ago. Mostly I'm a <90mins rider (old injuries preclude much time in the saddle). So, other than with 170mm or 175mm cranks, I've not had experience with much longer rides; but for relatively shorter times, <165mm feels better for me.
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07-25-20, 07:25 AM
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I recently watched a video on the tube that discussed the relationship between the crank length and the top of the peddle travel. According to the bike fit guy the angle of the knee at the top of the stroke is important to the power you can safely produce without causing an issue in the knee. I am 5'7" with a long torso and short legs so I will be looking into the validity of the crank length soon. I am going to change the BB and crank as soon as I can figure out what I need. My knees are starting to tell me they are not happy and I am not sure what direction I should go in if any. At 71 there are a lot of other things in play.
Be safe all, Frank.
Be safe all, Frank.
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07-27-20, 05:55 PM
#39
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I run 150 mm crank (I'm 5'8"). Short crank. Does improve aerodynamics (as the racing experts claim) by allowing you to crouch down even lower without closing your hips. Made me cruise at higher speeds without straining my legs.
It will not work for everybody because in order to take advantage of the aero benefit of shorter crank, you must be able to handle a more crouched down position without issues.
It will not work for everybody because in order to take advantage of the aero benefit of shorter crank, you must be able to handle a more crouched down position without issues.
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07-27-20, 07:58 PM
#40
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I'm 5'11.5" and have been having great fun with Promax 135mm cranks. Hips were so far open at 190rpms, I opted to stop using them altogether
07-27-20, 10:33 PM
#41
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I'm 5'11.5" and have been having great fun with Promax 135mm cranks. Hips were so far open at 190rpms, I opted to stop using them altogether
Has anyone ever tried this? The saddle is extremely uncomfortable. Large, hard foam pad there? Good lower back musculature for sure. Kudos on that. The aero helmet combined with the sandals and inappropriate other attire is way over the top, though. Rather spoils it, IMO.
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