Are shorter cranks better for MTB?

Shorter cranks put less torque and load on joints and muscles, thus reducing the chances of knee, hip, back and other pain while riding your mountain bike.

What is the difference between 170mm and 175mm cranks?

Whereas now 170 is ‘short’ 172.5mm is ‘normal’ and 175 mm cranks are very common. Still though, the difference between 170 mm and 175mm is less than 3% and leg lengths of bike riders vary by far more than that. If you want to investigate further, do a Google search for ‘proportional crank length’.

Are 175 cranks too long?

If you are 6’2″ then 175 is probably a small-med for your size. If you were 5’2″ then it would be a long crank.

Why are shorter cranks better?

Moving to a shorter crank can improve: Comfort: A shorter crank length reduces range of motion at the knee (extension and flexion), hips, and low back. Aerodynamics: Going to a shorter crank will allow you to ride at a lower back angle which minimizes frontal surface area improving aerodynamics.

Are longer cranks better?

Crank length changes may help solve long-simmering aches and pains, but they’re most effective when you’re doing everything you should be doing to be strong on the bike. It changes gearing. If you do end up changing crankarm lengths, it will change your gearing as well.

Should I go for shorter cranks?

Crank length can be used as a tool to improve fit related issues impacting comfort, power, and aerodynamics. Moving to a shorter crank can improve: Comfort: A shorter crank length reduces range of motion at the knee (extension and flexion), hips, and low back.

Should I use shorter cranks?

“If you struggle with knee or back problems on the bike, shorter cranks might help”, says Burt. “Not because they directly fix the problem, but because shorter cranks put less load on your joints and hip flexors.”

Do you ride a 170mm or 175mm crank?

Are you long legged or short legged for your height? Most bike are fitted with 175’s as standard, though a lot of riders “should” be riding 170’s if the correct crank length is used as worked out (there’s a formula somewhere, can’t remember exactly what it is though).

How big are the cranks on a bike?

The two cranks, which are mounted 180-degrees apart, can vary in length, generally ranging from 165mm to 180mm in 2.5mm increments to accommodate different sized riders. The most common lengths are 170mm and 175mm. Most cranks are constructed of carbon fiber or aluminum, though steel and titanium are also sometimes used.

How big is a Campagnolo bike crank size?

Campagnolo make between 170 mm and 180mm in 2.5mm increments. Shimano manufacture 165 – 180 mm in 2.5mm increments. Most smaller manufacturers only make 3 sizes; 170mm, 172.5mm and 175mm.

Which is better a 165 or a 180 crank?

But you can really feel the difference. The 165s span up very quickly, so quick aceleration, whereas the 180s had lots of torque and leverage. My inside leg’s 32″ and 180 was really too long , but useful for singlespeed.