crank length

sloxam
sloxam Posts: 861
edited September 2007 in Workshop
i've just picked up a new bike to replace my stolen ones (to get me through the winter). my old bikes had 175mm cranks and i've noticed that the new one is 170mm. what effect will shorter cranks have on
1. my pedalling efficiency
2. my joints
3. my muscle development.
i know i should have checked when i bought it but a bit of a rush purchase.
thanks
i hate hills (cos i'm fat)

www.justgiving.com/steven-loxam/

Comments

  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    In my experience, bugger all.
  • Monty Dog
    Monty Dog Posts: 20,614
    you'll be able to 'spin' faster, there is less leverage on your joints and I'd never accuse a track sprinter of having under-developed muscles even though they main run 165mm cranks....
    Make mine an Italian, with Campagnolo on the side..
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    In terms of your output, then not much, as you'll make up for the reduced leverage by spinning faster.

    However, subjectively, you may well prefer a particular length. So in that sense it's important.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer

Categories