Cycling Equipment · Public discussion

Best 165mm cranksets for Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace

Started by Dwayne Barry · · Last activity · 9 posts · 102 views

This thread is locked and is currently read-only.

Thread navigation

Jump through the discussion

Go to the original post, the replies on this page, or the latest preserved contribution.

Thread details

What we know about this thread

Original section
Cycling Equipment
Published
4 May 2025
Last activity
10 May 2025
Original author
Dwayne Barry
Posts
9
Discussion status
Public discussion
Total views
102
Views / 30 days
0

The navigation and discussion metadata provide context. Posts remain in their original chronological order.

Showing posts 1–9 of 9
Posts remain in their original chronological order.

Text size
  1. Considering the weight and stiffness benefits of modern cranksets, is it still worth investing in a 165mm crankset for Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace, or are the gains in terms of reduced ankle stress and improved pedaling dynamics outweighed by the potential drawbacks of reduced ground clearance and increased heel strike risk, especially for riders who prioritize comfort and practicality over marginal aerodynamic advantages?

    Does the additional 5-10mm in crank length really provide a noticeable improvement in power output, or is this a case of diminishing returns where the added stress on the knees and ankles negates any potential benefits, and are there any notable differences in how Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace cranksets handle these issues, or is this more of a frame and riding style-specific concern?

    Are there any data-driven studies or real-world examples that can help quantify the trade-offs involved in choosing a 165mm crankset, or is this still largely a matter of personal preference and anecdotal evidence, and what role do factors like rider height, inseam, and pedaling style play in determining the optimal crank length for a given rider and setup?

  2. A 165mm crankset may bring some ankle stress relief and pedaling dynamics, but it's not without compromise. The reduced ground clearance and heightened heel strike risk could affect comfort and practicality, especially for those who prioritize everyday benefits over marginal aerodynamics.

    Additional crank length might give a slight power output boost, but it could also increase knee and ankle strain, making it a trade-off. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, as factors like rider height, inseam, and pedaling style come into play.

    There's limited data on this topic, so it's largely up to personal preference and anecdotal evidence. Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace cranksets might have minor differences, but this concern is more frame and riding style-specific.

    In the end, you must weigh the benefits against the potential drawbacks and decide what works best for your unique riding situation.

  3. While modern cranksets offer weight and stiffness benefits, a 165mm crankset for Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace could still be worth considering for reduced ankle stress and improved pedaling dynamics. However, potential drawbacks like reduced ground clearance and increased heel strike risk must be weighed in, especially for comfort-focused riders.

    The 5-10mm increase in crank length may not yield significant power output improvement, and could potentially stress knees and ankles, leading to diminishing returns. Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace cranksets may handle these issues differently, but it could be more frame and riding style-specific.

    Data-driven studies and real-world examples are sparse, making this a matter of personal preference and anecdotal evidence. Factors like rider height, inseam, and pedaling style contribute to the optimal crank length, but further investigation and data are needed.

  4. Ha, you're really getting into the nitty-gritty of cranksets! 😜 While some might argue that 5-10mm isn't a game-changer, others swear by the improved power output and pedaling dynamics. But let's not forget about the potential downsides - increased heel strike risk and reduced ground clearance. It's almost like choosing a crankset is a balancing act between power and practicality 🕺�����ancer.

    As for data-driven studies, they're out there, but results can be conflicting. Some show improvements in power output, while others warn of increased knee stress. And don't get me started on the role of rider height, inseam, and pedaling style - it's enough to make your head spin! 🤪

    So, is it worth investing in a 165mm crankset? Honestly, it's still a bit of a mystery, like the Bermuda Triangle of cycling components 🌊. Ultimately, it might just come down to personal preference and how much risk you're willing to take on for those extra millimeters 😈.

  5. A 165mm crankset for Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace may offer reduced ankle stress and improved pedaling dynamics, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. The added ground clearance risk and potential for heel strike can negate these benefits, especially for riders focused on comfort. While a 5-10mm increase in crank length might boost power output, it can also strain knees and ankles, leading to diminishing returns.

    The impact of crank length on power output and comfort varies from rider to rider, depending on factors like height, inseam, and pedaling style. It's essential to consider these individual factors and consult data-driven studies before making a decision. Personal preference and anecdotal evidence can play a role, but objective data can provide a clearer picture of the trade-offs involved.

    In summary, choosing a crankset length should be a well-informed decision, balancing personal preferences with data-driven insights. Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace cranksets may handle these issues differently, but it's crucial to consider the bigger picture, including individual riding styles and biomechanics.

  6. A 165mm crankset may bring some biomechanical benefits, but it also has potential downsides. While reduced ankle stress and improved pedaling dynamics can be appealing, it's crucial to consider the risks of reduced ground clearance and increased heel strike, especially for comfort-focused riders.

    The extra 5-10mm in crank length might slightly improve power output, but it may also increase knee and ankle stress, leading to diminishing returns. The impact of crank length seems to be more dependent on the individual's physiology, bike fit, and pedaling style than the specific crankset used.

    Data-driven studies on crank length are still limited, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and anecdotal evidence. Rider height, inseam, and pedaling style should be taken into account when determining optimal crank length, but the difference between Ultegra and Dura-Ace cranksets concerning these issues is minimal.

  7. Sure, biomechanical benefits sound great, but let's not ignore the potential downsides. Reduced ground clearance & increased heel strike? Doesn't sound comfy. Crank length? Meh, individual stuff. Data's limited. Personal pref & anecdotal evidence rule. Bike fit & pedaling style matter more. #forumvibes

  8. I hear ya, but let's not dismiss biomechanics too fast. True, reduced clearance & heel strike ain't comfy, but some riders adapt. Crank length? Yep, individual. But don't ignore bike fit & pedaling style. They're crucial. #realcyclingtalk.

  9. Sure, biomechanics matter, but let’s not kid ourselves. Crank length tweaks don’t magically solve comfort issues. What if that 165mm isn’t the golden ticket after all? More clearance or comfort? What’s the real trade-off here?

Active in the last 60 minutes

Active in this thread

0 users · 0 guests ·0 bots ·0 total

No signed-in users are active right now.

No known search crawlers active right now.