Do 165mm cranks require changing saddle height, and if so, why are so many manufacturers and fitters still recommending the same saddle height as with standard 172.5mm or 175mm cranks? Ive seen numerous threads and discussions where people claim that a shorter crank arm length doesnt affect the saddle height, but Ive also come across studies and expert opinions that suggest otherwise.
The argument is that shorter crank arms result in a reduced knee angle, which in turn affects the position of the foot on the pedal and the overall biomechanics of the pedal stroke. If this is true, wouldnt it make sense to adjust the saddle height to compensate for the shorter crank arm length? And if so, whats the recommended adjustment, and how do you determine the ideal saddle height for a given rider and bike setup?
It seems to me that theres a lot of conflicting information out there, and Id love to hear from experienced fitters, bike manufacturers, and riders who have experimented with different crank arm lengths and saddle heights. Do the benefits of shorter crank arms, such as improved pedaling efficiency and reduced fatigue, outweigh the potential drawbacks of having to adjust the saddle height? And what about riders who are already comfortable with their current saddle height – do they really need to make adjustments when switching to shorter crank arms?