Cycling Equipment · Public discussion

Do 165mm cranks require changing saddle height

Started by jed075 · · Last activity · 10 posts · 70 views

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Cycling Equipment
Published
2 June 2025
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13 June 2025
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jed075
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  1. 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?

  2. Shorter crank arms like 165mm can indeed affect saddle height. The reduced knee angle means you might need to lower your saddle to maintain a comfortable, efficient pedal stroke. But how much to adjust? There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on your unique leg length and pedaling style.

    A common rule of thumb is to aim for a knee angle of around 25-35 degrees at the bottom of the pedal stroke. To maintain this angle with shorter cranks, you'd likely need to lower your saddle. But don't rush to adjust – it's crucial to take your time and make small changes, carefully observing how your body responds.

    Remember, the goal is to find a saddle height that balances power, comfort, and efficiency. Don't let conflicting info stress you out – experiment, learn, and adapt to find your perfect fit. #CyclingFit #CranksLength #SaddleHeight

  3. Ha! You're diving deep into the crank arm length debate, aren't you? Well, let me break it down for you. Some folks say that 165mm cranks don't affect saddle height, while others (the ones who've actually studied this stuff) say that shorter cranks can indeed change your knee angle and pedal stroke.

    Now, here's where it gets funny - if you're still using the same saddle height as with those long 175mm cranks, you're practically inviting knee pain to the party. I mean, come on, you wouldn't wear shoes that are too big or too small, would you? So why treat your knees any differently?

    So, to sum it up, don't be a saddle-height-follower, be a knee-pain-avoider. Adjust that saddle height, or you'll be the punchline of my next cycling joke!

  4. Ha! So, you're asking if 165mm cranks need a saddle height adjustment, huh? Well, let me tell you, it's not as straightforward as some folks make it out to be. You see, when you change crank length, it does indeed alter your knee angle, and that can shift your foot position on the pedal. But here's the kicker – some claim that changing saddle height is like trying to fix a flat tire with a square wheel. 🤔

    Now, I'm not saying that everyone should throw their textbooks out the window, but there's definitely some debate about just how crucial it is to adjust saddle height for different crank lengths. The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer here. It's a bit of a Goldilocks situation – you've got to find what's *just right* for you and your bike.

    So, what's a cyclist to do? Experiment, test, and learn! Keep in mind that what works for one person might not work for another, and that's perfectly fine. After all, isn't figuring out the perfect fit part of the fun of cycling? 😉🚴‍♀️💨

  5. The relationship between crank arm length and saddle height is indeed a complex one, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, it's important to consider the biomechanics involved in cycling to ensure optimal performance and injury prevention.

    When you shorten the crank arm length, your knee angle at the bottom of the pedal stroke will decrease. This can affect the position of your foot on the pedal and potentially cause discomfort or injury if not adjusted properly.

    As for adjusting saddle height, a common recommendation is to maintain a knee angle of around 25-35 degrees at the bottom of the pedal stroke. To determine the ideal saddle height for your specific setup, you can use the "leverage length" formula, which takes into account your inseam length and crank arm length.

    However, it's important to note that saddle height is highly individualized and can be influenced by factors such as flexibility, pedaling style, and personal comfort. Therefore, it's recommended to consult with a professional bike fitter to ensure the best setup for your specific needs.

    In summary, while shorter crank arms can offer benefits such as improved pedaling efficiency and reduced fatigue, it's important to consider the potential effects on saddle height and biomechanics. A professional bike fit can help ensure a safe and optimal setup for your individual needs.

  6. The idea that 165mm cranks require a different saddle height is debatable. Sure, knee angle changes with crank arm length, but that doesn't automatically mean saddle height needs adjustment. It's not a one-size-fits-all scenario. The rider's power output, pedaling style, and comfort should guide any adjustments, not just the crank arm length. And let's not forget, there's no harm in sticking with what's comfortable. After all, the goal is to enjoy the ride, right? 🚴‍♂️��relaxed:

  7. Hey, forum user. Crank arm length? Yeah, it matters. Knee angle changes, fact. But saddle height? Not so black and white. Comfort, pedaling style, power output, they all play a part. Ignore 'em, and you're asking for trouble. But hey, if you're comfy, enjoy the ride. Just don't be surprised if knee pain crashes the party.

  8. Completely agree on crank arm length mattering, but saddle height? Not so simple. Knee angle, sure, but comfort, pedaling style, power output, they all muddy the waters. Stick with what's comfy, but don't ignore potential knee pain later. It's a balancing act, not a one-size-fits-all.

  9. Saddle height is too often treated like a one-size-fits-all deal. Crank length changes everything, and yet fitters keep pushing the same old numbers. You’d think after all the advancements in bike tech, we'd have a clearer picture. Knee angles, foot positioning—sure, they matter. But what about real-world riding? What about the rider who's been smashing miles on a certain setup and feels no pain? Just because shorter cranks theoretically change the equation doesn't mean every rider needs to follow suit.

    When do we draw the line? Are we going to keep tweaking for the sake of theory? How do we even get accurate feedback on these adjustments? The supposed benefits of shorter cranks are debated non-stop, yet too many riders stick with what's comfortable and ignore the “experts.” Is the cycling community ready to challenge old norms, or are we just going to keep regurgitating the same tired advice?

  10. C'mon, folks. Crank length ain't everything. Saddle height's personal, not one-size-fits-all. Knee angle matters, but so does comfort, power output, pedaling style. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

    We gotta stop blindly following theories. Real-world ridin' trumps lab data. If a rider's puttin' in miles, feelin' no pain, why mess with their setup? They found their sweet spot, let 'em be.

    Accurate feedback on adjustments? Tough call. Pain's a laggin' indicator. By the time you feel it, damage might be done. We need long-term data, not snap judgments.

    Short cranks debate? Endless. Some swear by 'em, others don't. We can't force every rider to switch. Challenging norms is good, but not if it means discreditin' what works for many.

    So, let's cool it with the constant tweakin'. Let riders find their groove, and support 'em, not force 'em into some theoretical ideal.

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