Can someone please explain to me why everyone seems to be obsessed with long crank arms for aggressive road positioning when, in theory, a shorter crank arm should provide a more stable and responsive platform for high-angle cornering and quick changes in direction. Specifically, Im looking for recommendations for the best 165mm cranks for this type of riding, but Im also interested in hearing from people who can provide some actual data or experience to back up their claims.
It seems to me that a lot of the advice out there is based on outdated ideas about crank length and its relationship to power output and efficiency, rather than actual handling and stability. Ive seen a lot of riders using 170mm or 175mm cranks on their road bikes, but when I ask them why theyre using such long crank arms, they often just say its what theyre used to or that its what the pros use.
Well, Im not interested in using a particular crank length just because its what the pros use or because its what Im used to. I want to know what the best crank length is for aggressive road positioning, based on actual data and experience. And Im starting to think that 165mm might be the sweet spot.
So, can anyone recommend some good 165mm cranks for aggressive road positioning? And can anyone provide some actual data or experience to back up their claims about the best crank length for this type of riding? Im looking for something more substantial than just its what the pros use or its what Im used to.
And to all the people out there who are going to tell me that Im crazy for thinking that 165mm cranks are the way to go, Id love to hear your reasoning. What makes you think that longer crank arms are better for aggressive road positioning? Is it just a matter of power output, or are there other factors at play? And can you provide some actual data or experience to back up your claims? Because, from where Im sitting, it seems like a lot of the advice out there is based on outdated ideas and a lack of actual experience.
So, lets get some actual discussion going here. What are the best 165mm cranks for aggressive road positioning, and why? And whats the actual data and experience that backs up these claims?