In the pursuit of optimal pedaling efficiency, its surprising that the discussion around crank arm length and its impact on torque has been largely stagnant. Specifically, the effects of 155mm cranks on pedaling torque have been grossly understated, with most cyclists and manufacturers defaulting to the conventional 170-175mm crank arm length.
Considering the biomechanics of pedaling and the relationship between crank arm length, leg length, and power output, its imperative that we re-examine the role of 155mm cranks in modern cycling. Theoretically, shorter crank arms should reduce the moment arm and subsequently decrease the torque required to maintain a given power output. However, this reduction in torque could also lead to increased cadence and potentially higher power output.
What innovative solutions or technologies could be developed to take full advantage of the reduced torque requirements offered by 155mm cranks, and how might these solutions be integrated into modern crankset designs to improve overall pedaling efficiency and power output? Could the development of shorter crank arms lead to a paradigm shift in the way we design and optimize bicycles for optimal performance?