165mm cranks

floosy
floosy Posts: 270
edited October 2008 in Workshop
Ok I admit it I have short legs.... well kinda makes sense really.... being err short I mean....

or to be politically correct should that be vertically challenged....

Anyway the question... (finally)

I am wanting to try 165mm cranks. (nearly there)

my drivetrain etc is campag..... and they do not seem to make 165mm cranks.

Can I switch the chainset and keep everything else.... or must I change it to all shimano... (they do 165mm cranks, as do Sram)

thanks in advance


Dave P.


PS. I ride a 41cm compact/sloping top tube.

Comments

  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    You can run any 165mm crank - the chainline will be the same and wouldn't affect your transmission. I like you, would prefer 165mm if I could get them but apart from TA, Shimano and Stronglight there's pretty limited choice.
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • This prompted me to look at my bikes both Shim and Campag are 170 I didn't even know!! after a year on one and 4 on the other. :shock:
    they just seem to be ok.

    If I can add a thought, Just how much difference does it make whether it's 165, 170, 172 or longer?

    Yours
    Shortarse of Cardiff
    http://twitter.com/mgalex
    www.ogmorevalleywheelers.co.uk

    10TT 24:36 25TT: 57:59 50TT: 2:08:11, 100TT: 4:30:05 12hr 204.... unfinished business
  • I have similar legs and have changed cranks on my best, winter and TT bikes to 165mm

    The difference in terms of comfort, efficiency and lack of knee pain is well worth it.

    For your campag bike you will need a new Shimano Ultegra or Dura-ace chainset and bottom bracket cups. Everything else can stay the same

    My opinion is that Campag are idiots for not making 165 cranks and do not deserve the kudos that too many riders ascribe to them
    I want to climb hills so badly;
    and I climb hills so badly
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    as said, any crank will work alongside your Campag drivetrain.

    Only lack of imagination and some misplaced aesthetic stubbornness should stop you running a component from another manufacturer.

    I fitted some 165mm Shimano Ultegra SL compact to a mates (Campag) bike the other day. Works fine. Nice cranks actually 8)

    Campag should get their act together frankly.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • floosy
    floosy Posts: 270
    thanks for the timely replies... sound advice .. :)

    I did look athe 2009 dura-ace cranks... but at nearly £300 quid.... ultegra sl for me I think..

    Dave.