What are the current options for short crank arms?

Asked by: Carol Rasmussen

Do shorter cranks make a difference?

‘The research evidence is clear: crank length makes no difference to power on the road – track is slightly different – unless you go as short as 80mm or as long as 320mm.

Are 160mm cranks too short?

5 Answers. Show activity on this post. 160mm crank is abnormally short. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t but as Axemasta mentions, you should have a bike fit before deciding what crank arm length you should have.

Are short cranks harder to pedal?

It changes gearing



So if you do end up changing crankarm lengths, it will change your gearing as well. The relative jumps between gears stay the same, but the overall range will feel slightly easier to pedal, or smaller, with shorter cranks and harder with longer ones.

Are 175mm cranks too long?

Basically, Shimano thinks 170 to 175mm is the Goldilocks zone of crank length for most people and most bikes.

Which is better 170mm or 175mm crank arm?

Macdermid found that riders reached their peak power nearly 1 second quicker on 170mm cranks than they did on 175mm cranks. That means shorter cranks give riders better acceleration, which can make a difference when passing other riders or trying to clean an obstacle.

Do you lose power with shorter cranks?

Based on the results of studies, as listed below, there is no difference in maximal power with slightly shorter cranks and you will be able to reach maximal power quicker with the 170mm cranks, but because your cadence will be higher (which may be beneficial in a hilly area) with shorter cranks you may fatigue more

Does 2.5 mm crank length make a difference?

Most experienced cyclists would consider a 5 or 10 mm difference in saddle height measured to the bottom of the pedal stroke to be a significant change, so they should not dismiss a 2.5 or 5 mm difference in crank length as being any less important because that makes a 5 or 10 mm difference in the saddle height when

What crank length do the pros use?

Quote from video: This formula assumes that the crank length is around nine point seven percent of our height.

Why short cranks are better?

Going to a shorter crank will allow you to ride at a lower back angle which minimizes frontal surface area improving aerodynamics. It can be frustrating to know that there are many available crank options that would work for an athlete.

Are shorter cranks better for knees?

In other words, a shorter crank does give you less leverage, but that shorter crank arm allows your downstroke to start where your body can create more power. This (according to the Canfields) produces more power and (according to the study cited below) is better for your knees and hips.

Does crank arm length really matter?

Crank length can be used as a tool to improve fit related issues impacting comfort, power, and aerodynamics. Moving to a shorter crank can improve: Comfort: A shorter crank length reduces range of motion at the knee (extension and flexion), hips, and low back.

What is standard crank arm length?

The crank length represents the distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the centre of the pedal axis. The most common lengths are 170, 172.5 and 175 mm, but it is possible to find cranks between 165 and 180 mm in the market.

Who should use 175mm cranks?

If the inseam X 0.216 is applied, then anyone with an inseam of more than 810mm (which is not a long inseam) would need to use a crank of over 175mm.

How do I choose crank arm length?

Quote from video: Then for taller riders. The performance or comfort advantages of running longer cranks. Isn't actually as clear-cut. But perception is really really important still so you might find that spinning

Does crank length affect power?

Folk lore suggests that crank length has a huge effect on the power that you can generate, or the cadence that you’re able to ride at. Namely, the general view is that shorter cranks allow you to spin and accelerate quicker but at the cost of high torque or power.

Why are shorter cranks better?

They allow more fluid, comfortable pedalling. They can reduce or eliminate lower back, hip and knee pain. For triathletes the transition from cycling to running becomes easier. Shorter cranks can even make your saddle comfier.

Does 2.5 mm crank length make a difference?

Most experienced cyclists would consider a 5 or 10 mm difference in saddle height measured to the bottom of the pedal stroke to be a significant change, so they should not dismiss a 2.5 or 5 mm difference in crank length as being any less important because that makes a 5 or 10 mm difference in the saddle height when

Are shorter cranks better for knees?

In other words, a shorter crank does give you less leverage, but that shorter crank arm allows your downstroke to start where your body can create more power. This (according to the Canfields) produces more power and (according to the study cited below) is better for your knees and hips.

What crank length do the pros use?

Quote from video: This formula assumes that the crank length is around nine point seven percent of our height.

Does crank length really matter?

Crank length can be used as a tool to improve fit related issues impacting comfort, power, and aerodynamics. Moving to a shorter crank can improve: Comfort: A shorter crank length reduces range of motion at the knee (extension and flexion), hips, and low back.

Who should use 175mm cranks?

If the inseam X 0.216 is applied, then anyone with an inseam of more than 810mm (which is not a long inseam) would need to use a crank of over 175mm.