Originally Posted by
Iride01
I've ridden with short cranks all my life in the 160 mm to 165 mm. When I built up my Paramount from a frame in 2017, I put 170 mm cranks on it because at the time the shorter were out of stock and/or not in the silver color I wanted then. I'm 5'-11" with 34.5" inseam.
Soon after I began riding it, I noticed a slight annoyance behind my knees, mostly my right knee. Never enough to keep me from riding as hard or as long as I wanted. And it usually bothered me more after I was off the bike and relaxed during the evening watching TV or reading.
I put up with it thinking I'd get used to it for four months. Then a short crank in silver came available, I ordered it, put it on and that feeling behind my knees was gone. It was only 5 mm difference, but I even noticed that I was more comfortable with my legs not pushing up into my gut as far when I was in the drops and very aero.
If you do decide to try shorter cranks, make certain that you don't already depend on that lowest gear on your bike. If you do, then you might also need to change your gearing too.
Thank you for this. I do use the lowest gear but only to try to keep as much strain off my knee as I can. I am thinking 165mm from the 175 as my inseam is 29". I also realize that at my age, 72, the obvious knee issues are not going to be solved with just a crank change. At some point, I might have to face replacement but for now, I believe a shorter crank arm will help. And who knows, it might be enough to fend off the surgery.
Thank s again, Frank.