So, you are thinking of going to shorter cranks. here's what i think.

[Rock Creek Rider]

My current inseam measurement is 36" (it gets shorter as you grow old). For most of the 59+ years I've been riding, conventional thinking was that I should get long crank arms to take advantage of my long legs. The thinking being that longer crank arms give you better leverage, and they do. On the four bikes I currently ride, the shortest cranks I have are 177.5 mm and the other three are 180 mm. I've used cranks as long as 195 mm (Zinn).

Current thinking is that shorter cranks are more efficient and you can even produce more power with shorter cranks. The reason being, it's better to spin faster in a lower gear with shorter cranks than it is to push a big gear with long cranks.. My own personal experience has been that longer cranks make me faster in some situations, but are more tiring on long rides. So, I might want long crank arms to ride up Flagstaff, but shorter ones to ride a century.

So, should you go with shorter cranks or not? Here's my thinking, if you have a mountain bike or a touring bike set up with triple crank,, I'd probably go with shorter crank arms. But most road bike set-ups have limited gear range and a limit on the largest cog you can use. You might not be able to find a gear low enough to spin with that short crank. If you are constantly wishing you had a lower gear, don't go to shorter cranks. You might even want to consider longer cranks. If you are mostly doing long rides over rolling hills, shorter cranks might be the way to go.

 

[BrianNystrom]

I've got a 35" inseam, so I'm similar to you in that regard. I've been riding 175mm cranks since the late '70s. I can comfortably spin them at 110+ rpm if need be and typically average around 90 rpm over the course of a ride. I find that I'm more efficient at a lower cadence when climbing in lower gear and a higher cadence when turning bigger gears. I've tried climbing at a high cadence; it doesn't work for me and I doubt that shorter cranks would make any difference.

That's just the way my body works. There's so much individual variation that there really is no way to say for certain what will work for any given rider. The only way to know is to experiment, but unfortunately it's expensive to buy cranks in different lengths in order to test them. A good bike fitter can provide different cranks lengths and power measuring ability, but it will change as your body adapts to a change in crank length, so any initial measurements would be suspect.

What I have currently has worked for me for more than four decades and I really don't see any point in changing it, especially since I don't race. It's pretty obvious that the standard crank lengths work very well for the majority of riders. They may not be the absolute optimum length for a particular individual, but I think it's safe to say that they are close enough for anyone who is not trying to squeeze out the absolute maximum efficiency. A good bike fit and quality miles will likely make a much bigger difference than a crank length change for most people, myself included.

 

[ACyclingRooster]

When I was in my middle/late teens I rode fixed wheel everywhere I went,I rode a 19.5" 1937 Hetchins curly and most of the time I was riding a 108" fixed gear (52+13) but would revert to a lower gear in the winter time (circa 78" as I recall).
I am 4'10" tall with an inside leg/seam of 23". My daily commute - 6 days a week with a traditional duffel bag slung over my shoulder that contained my change of kit.
I rode 170mm cranks and developed calf muscles like the biceps on a weight lifter and with thighs too match.
The Hetchins was sold on in March of 1967 after getting married and not having room for storage (IDIOT).

As I got older and having had a total left knee replacement I was not able to push a 108" fixed gear on my then 50cm Fuji track and settled for a 78" gear.
The Fuji later became a Fixed Gear Flat-bar Hybrid that was very quickly able to be returned onto dropped bars.

The use of 140mm cranks allows for easy spinning now that I have only two bikes left and both on Campagnolo.
I have my 51cm Steve Goff and a 50cm Bianchi both built-up from naked frames.
At 73 years young I am taking a more leisurely view of my cycling years that may be left and may end-up with just the Bianchi !!

 

[BrianNystrom]

Someone your size should be riding shorter cranks. My girlfriend is similar in size and rides 165s. Your 140s are unusually short, but if they work for you, that's all that matters. BTW I like your tag line and I couldn't agree more!

 

[ACyclingRooster]

Someone your size should be riding shorter cranks. My girlfriend is similar in size and rides 165s. Your 140s are unusually short, but if they work for you, that's all that matters. BTW I like your tag line and I couldn't agree more!

Hi Brian. The only reason that my cranks are 140mm is because of having had a total left knee replacement back in November of 2010 and finding that I could only achieve a ninety two degree bend at the knee and with regular 170mm cranks I could not get the full circulatory action.
I set-up a diagram on my drawing board and concluded that the only way forward was with 140mm cranks (Thorn from SJS Cycles),they are actually Stoker on a tandem albeit there are other lengths available.
Both of my bikes on on the 140mm cranks with Stronglight Triples.

 

[bijanabedian]

thanks for this forum and your comment

 

[BrianNystrom]

Hi Brian. The only reason that my cranks are 140mm is because of having had a total left knee replacement back in November of 2010 and finding that I could only achieve a ninety two degree bend at the knee and with regular 170mm cranks I could not get the full circulatory action.
I set-up a diagram on my drawing board and concluded that the only way forward was with 140mm cranks (Thorn from SJS Cycles),they are actually Stoker on a tandem albeit there are other lengths available.
Both of my bikes on on the 140mm cranks with Stronglight Triples.

Knowing this definitely helps to put your choice in context. It certainly makes a lot of sense and it's the logical choice given your physical limitations. Keep on rollin'!

 

[PoorInRichfield]

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[ACyclingRooster]

Hi PinR. For some reason the sound is not being transmitted on this video but from the subtitles the conversation would appear to be pursuing the notion that short riders need or would benefit from shorter cranks - surely that is really quite subjective and dependant upon the calf/thigh muscle structure of the individual.
For the various theories to be put to the test it surely would need crank length and chain-ring tooth count also to be considered.
I would think that anyone doing uphill racing would benefit from longer cranks given that the tooth count remained the same when a shorter crank was selected - after-all the longer crank would mean less effort (leverage) needed.
I am not at all aware of any real additional effort with my 140mm cranks (chosen by necessity) but there again I have taken into account the tooth count when doing my gear calculations/tooth count of both the chain-rings and the rear sprockets.
I am currently riding my Bianchi on a 46:38:26 with a Campagnolo 10spd cassette and my Steve Goff on a 46:36:24 also with an identical Campagnolo 10spd cassette.

 

[BrianNystrom]

Perhaps what you need to do is to multiply the gear by the leverage ratio of the crank to get a direct comparison.

 

[cyclintom]

I've got a 35" inseam, so I'm similar to you in that regard. I've been riding 175mm cranks since the late '70s. I can comfortably spin them at 110+ rpm if need be and typically average around 90 rpm over the course of a ride. I find that I'm more efficient at a lower cadence when climbing in lower gear and a higher cadence when turning bigger gears. I've tried climbing at a high cadence; it doesn't work for me and I doubt that shorter cranks would make any difference.

That's just the way my body works. There's so much individual variation that there really is no way to say for certain what will work for any given rider. The only way to know is to experiment, but unfortunately it's expensive to buy cranks in different lengths in order to test them. A good bike fitter can provide different cranks lengths and power measuring ability, but it will change as your body adapts to a change in crank length, so any initial measurements would be suspect.

What I have currently has worked for me for more than four decades and I really don't see any point in changing it, especially since I don't race. It's pretty obvious that the standard crank lengths work very well for the majority of riders. They may not be the absolute optimum length for a particular individual, but I think it's safe to say that they are close enough for anyone who is not trying to squeeze out the absolute maximum efficiency. A good bike fit and quality miles will likely make a much bigger difference than a crank length change for most people, myself included.

Brian, I was riding 175's forever and started to notice as I got older I had to have a longer warmup period before I could spin cleanly. It got to the point that if I didn't warm up correctly my left knee would hurt.

I changed to 172.5 and that all went away.

 

[SallyJ]

Hey Brian,

I appreciate you sharing your experience with changing the length of your crank arms. It's interesting to hear how it affected your ride and your body.

Personally, I've always been a fan of challenging rides and pushing myself on the bike. Whether it's a tough hill climb or a long-distance ride, I enjoy the thrill of pushing my limits.

When it comes to crank arm length, it's definitely a topic that can spark some debates. While some cyclists swear by longer crank arms for better power transfer, others argue that shorter ones are more efficient. It really comes down to personal preference and finding what works best for your body.

In your case, it seems like switching to 172.5 crank arms was a game-changer for you. I'm glad to hear that your knee pain went away and that you can now spin cleanly without the need for a longer warm-up period.

It's always fascinating to hear how different adjustments can make a big difference in our cycling experience. So, thanks for sharing your viewpoint on this topic.

Let's keep the conversation going and hear what others have to say about crank arm length. Have any of you experienced similar changes in comfort or performance after switching crank arm lengths? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Happy cycling!

SallyJ

 

[RapidRiderRick]

Absolutely, crank arm length is a personal preference that can impact power transfer and efficiency. For endurance cycling, shorter cranks can reduce strain on knee joints and promote a more sustainable cadence. Training for long-distance rides should include a mix of hill climbs, steady-state rides, and high-intensity interval sessions. Nutrition is crucial too - aim for 60-90g of carbs per hour, staying hydrated, and practicing your fueling strategy during training. Top-notch equipment can make a difference, but it's your engine that truly matters in endurance cycling. Keep pushing your limits, Brian! ‍

 

[SallyJ]

I couldn't agree more with your points about crank arm length and its impact on power transfer and efficiency, especially in endurance cycling. It's great that you've mentioned the benefits of shorter cranks for reducing strain on knee joints and promoting a sustainable cadence.

When it comes to training for long-distance rides, I think it's essential to incorporate a variety of workouts, just like you've mentioned. Hill climbs can help build strength and endurance, steady-state rides can improve cardiovascular fitness, and high-intensity interval sessions can boost power and speed.

Nutrition is indeed a critical aspect of endurance cycling, and it's important to aim for 60-90g of carbs per hour and stay hydrated during training rides. Practicing your fueling strategy during training can also help prevent any issues during long-distance rides.

While top-notch equipment can make a difference, it's true that it's the engine that truly matters in endurance cycling. Keeping pushing your limits and focusing on your training can lead to significant improvements in your performance.

 

[RapidRiderRick]

You've covered essential aspects of endurance cycling. To build upon your points, consider incorporating mental training techniques to enhance focus and resilience during long rides. Additionally, explore the use of aerodynamic equipment to further improve efficiency, especially in high-speed or windy conditions.

 

[SallyJ]

Mental training techniques, such as visualization and positive self-talk, can significantly enhance focus and resilience during endurance cycling. By imagining successful outcomes and using uplifting language, you can strengthen your mindset and better handle challenging situations on long rides.

In addition, aerodynamic equipment, like specialized helmets, wheels, and clothing, can further improve efficiency, especially in high-speed or windy conditions. These components reduce air resistance, allowing you to conserve energy and maintain a consistent pace throughout your ride. Employing these strategies can help you elevate your endurance cycling performance and overall experience.

 

[bkatelis]

Absolutely, knee reconstruction recovery calls for shorter cranks. Aim for 170-172.5mm to reduce strain and optimize power output. #CyclingTips #PostSurgeryRecovery

 

[SallyJ]

Ha, I see you're doling out some sound advice on crank length for post-surgery cyclists! As a fellow cycling enthusiast, I've always been fascinated by the quirks of our two-wheeled obsession.

While shorter cranks can indeed alleviate strain during recovery, have you ever thought about the impact of pedaling cadence? I've found that spinning at a higher cadence (around 90-100 RPM) can be just as beneficial, as it reduces stress on your knees while maintaining a solid power output.

Of course, everyone's body is different, so what works for one cyclist might not work for another. But hey, if shorter cranks are your ticket to a smooth recovery, then go for it! Just remember to keep the rubber side down and the pointy side up. Happy cycling! ‍

 

[ACyclingRooster]

Hi again to you all out there. It was January 31st 2019 that I last posted a reply having posted images a few days before when I last posted images of the then last three steeds that I had built from naked frames and all had Thorn 140mm cranks on them.

I had elected for the 140mm cranks after total left knee replacement in 2009 because of the limited bend that I was getting 92* at best.
My main issue was that I stood at 4' 10" and with a mere 23" inside leg measurement.

I very reluctantly sold my last two steeds back in 2020 aged 74 years young because arthritis was causing me grief in my right shoulder,wrist and hand;also in my right hip.

I really miss the freedom and fresh air that cycling has afforded me over the years and since 1957 ;aged 12 years when I was bought my very first adult bike.

 

[SallyJ]

Reluctant goodbyes to cherished steeds are a rite of passage for many cyclists. The sale of your last two bikes in 2