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Post by bradrose5200 on Jan 30, 2007 19:58:36 GMT -6
How do you determine your ideal crank length?
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Post by David Rose on Jan 30, 2007 20:02:39 GMT -6
i think it is based on frame sizing. i know that while a trek 47cm frame has a 170mm crank, a 58 has a 175.
it could also be prefernce. a longer crank would allow more leverage, but since it is longer, that would mean more flex, and it takes more movement to spin than a shorter crank. most mtb cranks are 175 becasue of this.
sheldon brown or "zinn" might have some insiight about this on one of their sites.
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Post by David Rose on Jan 30, 2007 20:04:19 GMT -6
o, btw brad you are now a "pro rider" (400+ posts?) woohoo.
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Post by nortonvillephil on Jan 30, 2007 20:07:55 GMT -6
Well Brad.
It is quite simple really. You just take a tape measure and lay it up against your ideal crank and measure it!
Phil Cheeese!!!
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Post by Toddster on Jan 30, 2007 21:09:36 GMT -6
Good idea Phil!!!! I like that.
Brad, I started with a Shimano SC105 in a 170mm length, but was told shortly thereafter that I needed to try 172.5mm for better leverage.
...........and because I am built like kermit the frog. I ride 172.5 now. It ain't easy being green.
Todd
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Post by RN Holeman on Jan 30, 2007 21:43:49 GMT -6
OTOH ;D I ride a 165 on a recumbent because of the need for spinning and you don't have as much extension with shorter cranks because you are not "doing" the longer deep knee bends. Shorter cranks also helps if you have knee problems!!!! I agree you don't have as much leverage as you would with longer cranks but most people mash the pedals too much instead of spinning more to conserve energy. I ride a 170 on the uptight. But as you are finding out, it going to come down to personal preference. I think Barb Tretter from LBC is an expert in bike fitting, you might ask her. JMOT
Rick
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Post by davidh on Jan 30, 2007 22:16:53 GMT -6
I've tried 175 and 172.5 on my road bikes. Last year when I was having hip problems, I was on a 175. I switched to a 172.5 and I've been comfortable. Tim Moore also uses a 172.5. Airin and Veronika both use 170mm cranks on their bikes. Personally, I would say you have a 172.5 on your bike and that's probably the right size.
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