shortening cranks

marksteven
marksteven Posts: 208
edited May 2011 in Workshop
good morning , i'm just about to start a self build bike, my Q is this can normal cranks be shortened by drilling new pedal holes lower down, then cutting off the upper bit, or is this a nono ? cheers for any advice

Comments

  • rubbernekker
    rubbernekker Posts: 112
    In theory if you have bog standard solid aluminium cranks without cavities for - yes

    But- Tapping a thread in the LH crank will be a bugger, and you will need to be sure you can drill the hole so it is in EXACTLY the same plane as the axle. If you don't you will be able to feel the pedal 'orbiting' as you pedal- ie travelling around the correct path.

    It'll look pretty bone too- Why not weld some tubular ones together? much greater chance of success

    Unless you have some pretty sharp kit I'd leave it well alone- especially as cranksets are not that expensive- 25 quid for a cheap pair