Change of Crank Length

muddly
muddly Posts: 20
edited August 2009 in Commuting chat
Hi

I am just about to get a new set of cranks on my single speed commuting bike. I am going to have to get a slightly shorter crank i.e. 170mm from the old length of 175mm. I realise that this is pretty minimal in terms of length, but out of interests, should I be raising the saddle by 5mm to compensate for the shorter cranks?

Thanks in advance.

muddly

Comments

  • always_tyred
    always_tyred Posts: 4,965
    Yes, and that will be a noticable change in crank length. But hey, you might prefer it. Less leverage, but more suitable for higher cadences.
  • muddly
    muddly Posts: 20
    Always Tyred wrote:
    Less leverage, but more suitable for higher cadences.

    Thanks for the post. Do you mean it will be harder work, more effort?
  • always_tyred
    always_tyred Posts: 4,965
    muddly wrote:
    Always Tyred wrote:
    Less leverage, but more suitable for higher cadences.

    Thanks for the post. Do you mean it will be harder work, more effort?
    Depends what speed you are doing! I think it will be marginally harder to get going. Its not a huge difference, but you will notice it. As I say, give it a try, you might prefer it.

    I inherited a set of 170's when I first switched to cycling, and I noticed the difference when I went to the joe-average 172.5 (being joe average sized, that's probably okay for me!). I decided not to ever try 175's for fear of putting my knees at an angle equivalent to lowering my saddle 1/2 cm at the top of the pedal stroke.

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