Crank length

flying_scotsman
flying_scotsman Posts: 50
edited May 2008 in Workshop
Hi all, I'm looking to change my chainset from a compact 50/30 to a 53/39. My cassette is 12-25. I've seen a campag centaur on sale but the cranks are 172.5 mm length and I'm used to 170mm, would I notice any difference? My legs are spinning around too much with my current set up. Thanks

Comments

  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I can't believe anyone would notice 2.5mm difference, or if you do, try thinner socks!
  • Stewie Griffin
    Stewie Griffin Posts: 4,330
    I asked a similar crank arm length question a while ago, still havent made my mind up :oops:

    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12566898
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    sorry, got that the wrong way round. You'll be needing thicker socks.
  • LangerDan
    LangerDan Posts: 6,132
    Actually you'll need thicker socks on the downstroke and thinner ones on the upstroke
    'This week I 'ave been mostly been climbing like Basso - Shirley Basso.'
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Socks will naturally compress on the downstroke and er expand on the up.

    Er does that help or hinder ?

    Either way - no - you cant notice 2.5mm - I dont adjust my saddle if I wear my assos shorts vs my thinly padded tri suit.
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    I've got 172.5mm on my carbon bike, and 170mm on my winter bike, can't really tell the difference.
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  • freddymercurystwin
    freddymercurystwin Posts: 36
    Technically a longer crank will give more leverage, although your legs will have to travel further so horses for courses really.
  • Bugly
    Bugly Posts: 520
    2,5 mm will give you bugger all mech advantage. Doubt you would notice the difference (or be able to measure it on an ergo)
  • meagain
    meagain Posts: 2,331
    The one and only time I ever came close to a "custom build" was with an Airborne (as was). While discussing frame sizing etc by 'phone the guy in Holland (and he was about the best cycling-sales-person I've ever dealt with!) reckoned that with relativley long legs c.f. height 172.5 cranks would be ideal. And I think he was right!
    d.j.
    "Cancel my subscription to the resurrection."

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