Do You Need Shorter Cranks?
May 8, 2023 9:34am
by
rob
When I started riding in the 80s 170 cranks were pretty much standard on road bikes. And when I started riding mtbs a few years later, 175 were the norm. I didn't like switching back between 170s and 175s, so I put 172.5s on my road and cross bikes. I haven't messed with or thought about crank length in decades. But now there is a new movement toward shorter cranks. Advantages include higher cadence, relieving lower-back, joint, and muscular pain, and a more open hip angle. My Large Ibis Ripley came with 170s (in part, I believe, to lesson pedal strike). I had no problem getting used to it. And recently a buddy of mine switched to 160s on the road and is loving it. I'm starting to think seriously about 165s on my road bike.
Bike fit guru Andrew Weber is pushing shorter cranks--as short as 145s! Listen to the interview with Andrew on the Cycle Jerks podcast to learn more about the benefits of riding with shorter cranks. You can also read more on Shimano.com
Shop for new cranks on BikeList!
Tagged:
Cycle Jerks, cranks
Comments
I held a BikeFit training class in my shop twelve years ago and I recall Andrew Weber promoting shorter cranks back then!
Very cool!
I upgraded my cranks and went to 165mm from 170mm. I’m 5’6 with 28” pant inseams. My pedal stroke is so much better. I can now remain seated much much longer. My saddle feels so much more comfortable and the power output seems so much easier. Of course, I’m probably sacrificing top end sprint power a bit (3%). But power from endurance to threshold is really much easier.
I really need to try it out!
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