Originally Posted by
noglider
Shorter cranks can make climbing harder, since you have less leverage. My bike with short cranks (155mm) is a fixed gear intended for city riding. I don't take it on many hills. There is one which is difficult, but so what. My gear ratio is 74 inches.
Shorter crank may makes out-of-saddle climbing harder, but not if you spin at higher rpm while sitting.
Smaller circle to pedal with shorter cranks, with optimum gearing & cadence; you may be more efficient on the climbs when sitting in the saddle.