What crank lengths do you run?

[Crayons]

Been thinking about parts for the RM Stratos fame that's due in next week. I've got some old 170mm DX cranks that are bang on spec for a1990 stratos but I usually run 175mm.

Question:

Will I notice a big difference running cranks that are 5mm shorter than normal, or is it all a bit too much in my head?

For info I'm 6ft

What lengths do people run on here?

 

[neilll]

What lengths do people run on here?

175mm on everything...................5' 10" and a 32" inside leg. I'm far from an expert but would think it might amount to 5mm less leg stretch and not much else...

 

[Pickle]

175's on MTB and road.

The only time I've run different is 165's on the track.....but then thats a different kettle of fish all together.

 

[Andy B]

175's

 

[stevek]

Hi there fella!

I use 175's on everything too, I'm 5' 10" but with stumpy 31.5" inseam.

Theoretically it'll be a little more spinny with less leverage.

Hang about, my roadbike has 170's and thinking back to when I was riding it a bit (last year!) I thought that perhaps I could feel some difference... or perhaps I was just tired...

 

[MJN]

I run 172.5 on all my road bikes appart from the winter bike which is on 170's,the mtbs all have 175's.I never feel a difference going from road to mtb but come winter time it always feels like I'm lacking leaverage,this could however be down to a lack of fitness and our local clubs insanely fast winter rides.If you've got the cranks already give em a go.

 

[Crayons]

Yep… figure I'll just give 'em a try then.

Suppose the biggest difference is if they're 5mm shorter, I'll need my saddle 5mm higher and that'll be 5mm further to fall

 

[dbmtb]

170s won't kill your knees if 172s don't.

It's usually only a problem the other way round (ie longer cranks) if you have short legs, shouldn't be running more than 170s and then go ahead and fit 175s on your road bike.

You might miss the leverage though.

 

[guybe]

175mm for the last 10 years on the Cannondale.

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

I always used 175 cranks. I had absolutely no idea that I had been using XTR 170 cranks until I looked at them when giving them a wash after many months. I would imagine the shorter the crank, the less leverage you would have but the less strain your knees would have to cope with.