Crank length?

zedhead
zedhead Posts: 109
edited October 2011 in MTB beginners
I'm sure that there's an obvious answer, but why are cranks available in different lengths?
I assume it's simply to suit longer legs, but I've never seen any comment in any magazines etc as to which length crank would be suitable for what size person? Or is it personal preference? Or is the choice down to mechanical advantage of the longer cranks? (ie long cranks for those who do lots of uphill?)
Early Orange 5, Felt Z85, Scott Thicko, modified Giant full suss (both nicked)- beat-up single-speed rigid 1992 Saracen (scrapped), and various 2-wheelers with big engines

Comments

  • bails87
    bails87 Posts: 12,998
    Personal choice. It seems to be more of an issue for road cyclists where fit is more important.
    MTB/CX

    "As I said last time, it won't happen again."
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    95% of MTB seem to use 175mm
    I don't do smileys.

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  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    My daughter is 5'4" with short legs (even for that height), on 175's her knees almost hit the bars, so she's gone 165's.

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • zedhead
    zedhead Posts: 109
    Cool, thanks for the replies!
    Early Orange 5, Felt Z85, Scott Thicko, modified Giant full suss (both nicked)- beat-up single-speed rigid 1992 Saracen (scrapped), and various 2-wheelers with big engines
  • sloppycowpat
    sloppycowpat Posts: 349
    i've seen more bikes with 170, tbh tho it makes a negligible difference, however you will feel difference between 165 and 175

    i've tried 165, 170, and 175

    binned 165 they were rank,
    170mm are my saints,
    175mm on single speed and xc bikes for extra umpf

    i suppose there is a slight advantage in strength for the shorter cranks as the pedal axles will be subjected to a lesser degree of leverage

    there are defiantly benefits of shorter cranks for turning especially if you have a low bb or have a fixy
    worst moment ever...
    buzzing down twisting single track then.... psssst BANG!!!

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