Crank length question?

Would I notice a lot of difference in reality between a 175 and a 165mm crank? i.e. going from longer to shorter? I have a 170 on my GT and a 175 on the Pace but want a different one really.

Any experience gratefully received.

BertR00t":38d2tad3 said:

Would I notice a lot of difference in reality between a 175 and a 165mm crank? i.e. going from longer to shorter? I have a 170 on my GT and a 175 on the Pace but want a different one really.

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Why ??

Shorter cranks are (in theory) easier to spin at high cadences but give you less leverage. So why do you feel that you need to go to something as short as 165mm - to cut down on pedal strikes?

Seen a used crank I fancy but sadly it is a 165.

165's are mainly used by downhillers for better rock clearance supposedly. they are minutely harder to push the same gear as when using 175's but its that small that unless you are super sensitive I doubt you'd notice to be honest...a mate used to run 160mm gusset pigmy cranks as he said his knees didnt hurt as much when spinning sat down..something about his knees not extending as much when rotating :roll:

sex one":h37j4boo said:

unless you are super sensitive I doubt you'd notice to be honest

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That is what I thought to be honest. A little more clearance is a good thing anyway and my legs aren't massively long enough to feel like I was cheating them I don't think.

I have always used 175mm cranks but my Humu came with 165 DH cranks and I'm finding that the sore knees that I have had on singlespeed bikes have become a thing of the past. Tbh I have not noticed any difference in leverage. I'm now looking for a pair to build up a modern full susser that i own that has pedal strike issues.

so thumbs up for shorties!

Dr S":2lzb2nzk said:

I have always used 175mm cranks but my Humu came with 165 DH cranks and I'm finding that the sore knees that I have had on singlespeed bikes have become a thing of the past. Tbh I have not noticed any difference in leverage. I'm now looking for a pair to build up a modern full susser that i own that has pedal strike issues.

so thumbs up for shorties!

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and there's me just thinking that my mate was a fussy old sod

this is something i never really considered or gave any thought to.
i normally just run 170's or 175's (but preferably 170's recently, now that ive put some thought into it)
this is because they are readily available
recently i got an amazing deal on a brand new set of howitzer ruktion cranks, external howitzer bb and wellgo pedals (all new) for £30.
as my second set of hussefelts were looking sorry for themselves (again! hate them!) i bought the howitzers as it was a deal i couldnt turn down (who would)
when i got them it turned out they were 165's and i think my hussefelts were 170's
my bike setup is not far off downhill (36t ring, 11-25 cassette, 16'' frame and im 5'9''ish) but its my commuter/urban assault vehicle, but i havent worried about clipping pedals for years (since being a novice, which now im not) so not fussed there.
got them fitted (with different pedals as the insert stayed on the pedal axle, again!!! :evil: still yet to remove it!)
tested them out on my street, as you do, and noticed the difference for about 50 yards, then back to normal
thought they would be a problem on my half hour commute the next day but they were fine
and have been fine since
doubt you will notice the difference, if you did due to leverage im sure your muscles will adjust and then you wont notice!
sorry for the long post
go for it!!

Great responses guys. Thanks a lot!

If you have short legs then short cranks are an advantage - easier to pedal over the tweve o'clock position.

I like them and they were recommended by two other short riders who find the same. They don't come up that often so worth snapping up if you like them,