170 or 175 mm cranks

freefly_mong
freefly_mong Posts: 65
edited December 2010 in MTB workshop & tech
I am looking to replace my cranks. SLX M665 cranks 175mm are hard to get at the moment but 170mm are available. Apart from the 5mm what is the difference? Extra clearance?

I am 6'3" with long legs, loger cranks will give a slight advantage with leaverage so you can turn a higher gear easier, but with strong legs this is less of an issue. Conversely with long legs I may get more space. Which way to go!!!???

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    personal choice. you will not notice any difference.

    go with what you have now.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • freefly_mong
    freefly_mong Posts: 65
    I asked Wiggle to change the order to what they had in stock and the replied

    'I apologise for the delay in the processing of your order, can I ask how tall you are as that is a large jump in size and will change the feel and ride of the bike. I look forward to your reply.'

    i thinks that a bit strong for an overall 10mm difference.... especially using flats'
  • konadawg
    konadawg Posts: 447
    freefly_mong wrote:
    ...will change the feel and ride of the bike.

    Ehwat??? :roll:

    But apart from the "ride" of the bike.

    I tend to see 175s as being for average height riders, quite possibly you would require longer cranks if commonly available that is.

    I really don't know as I have not compared, but purely as an example, considering that if my seatpost slides down just 5mm I can tell, maybe 170-175 is a difference of note, especially if 175 is already not really all that long for you.
    Giant Reign X1
  • cavegiant
    cavegiant Posts: 1,546
    I am 6'7 and could not tell the difference between my 180mm cranks and my wifes 160mm (I borrowed them while mine being repaired).

    I would put money on you not noticing 5mm.
    Why would I care about 150g of bike weight, I just ate 400g of cookies while reading this?
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    I can't tell the different on my cranks. As long as its only out by 5mm im sure you won't realise the difference.
  • rainerhq
    rainerhq Posts: 70
    About crank lenght:
    http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cranks.html
    "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride"
  • captainfly
    captainfly Posts: 1,001
    Personaly I say go with the 170mm crank arm, as mountain bikes don't have a tall enough gear to make any loss of leverage an issue, they will be nicer on you knees and hip, weigh a bit less. I don't see the point of longer cranks. I've got 35 inch inside leg and love 165mm BMX cranks as I can use my hips and bodyweight more effectively than 175mm cranks which put a bit more stress on my knees.
    -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
    Mongoose Teocali
    Giant STP0

    Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:
  • Northwind
    Northwind Posts: 14,675
    Don't stress about it. I know one of mine is a 175 and one is a 170, haven't a clue which set is on which bike though.
    Uncompromising extremist
  • freefly_mong
    freefly_mong Posts: 65
    Awesome, thanks for your tips guys. I now have some new SLX double and bash cranks, and I am very excited!

    The best thing about mountain bikiing is that despite being 35, I still get the feeling I got when I was 18 when new kit comes through the post!!

Categories