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Crank arm length! Eh??!

JayKingFunkJayKingFunk Posts: 411
edited October 2009 in MTB general
Just wondered what difference there is between having a 175mm over 170mm crank arms?

Apart from the obvious!! I mean what difference there is in riding 'feel'!

Thanks in advance, J.
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Posts

  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Try it and see - is the only way.

    Most can't feel any difference.
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  • AnonymousAnonymous Posts: 79,667
    Just make sure they're the same on both sides.
    If you have one crank arm longer than the other, then one of your knees will explode.
    Of course, the opposite is also true, if you have one crank arm shorter than the other, then your knee will implode.
  • Hercule QHercule Q Posts: 2,781
    i went from 175 to 170 and i notice the difference. i find pedaling easier at high speed
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  • rhyko7rhyko7 Posts: 781
    i swapped from 175 to 170 and didnt notice any difference other than hittiing slightly less rocks with the pedal
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  • meesterbondmeesterbond Posts: 1,240
    Do a search for it... there was a thread about it a while back...

    If memory serves, Britain's top time-trial rider couldn't tell any difference whatsoever, so you're unlikely to either.
  • stunter antstunter ant Posts: 213
    rhyko7 wrote:
    i swapped from 175 to 170 and didnt notice any difference other than hittiing slightly less rocks with the pedal

    Same here, bit better clearance thats about it :?
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  • dave_hilldave_hill Posts: 3,877
    yeehaamcgee wrote:
    If you have one crank arm longer than the other, then one of your knees will explode.

    Of course, the opposite is also true, if you have one crank arm shorter than the other, then your knee will implode.

    Yes but it depends on which side of the bike they're on, and whether you're pedalling forwards or backwards.
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  • The RookieThe Rookie Posts: 27,802
    172.5 is also available and must be the perfect compromise (well it is the only compromise....)

    I guess logic would suggest that those shorter of leg would benefit from shorter cranks (thus keeping knee bend angle closer to that of someone with longer legs)?

    Simon
    Current steed - Whyte T129, 2013 frame, mongrel Revelations, Giant dropper, Stans S1 wheelset. 12, Magura Trail Sport brakes, 1x11. 12.8Kg
  • lochussielochussie Posts: 276
    If most people can't tell the diff then somebody should do even shorter ones, even better clearance.
  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Most people can't tell a 5mm difference. Jump 10mm and they possibly will.

    And we all want an extra inch. Except Andrew156 it seems.
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