What length of crank arm should I use?

Are longer crank arms better

As you'll know from using a crowbar or a wheelbarrow, the longer the lever, the greater the load that can be lifted; so a longer lever arm allows a rider to create more torque than a rider with similar leg strength, but a shorter lever arm.

Are shorter crank arms better

If the gearing isn't adjusted, the shorter crank arm effectively gives a harder gear in terms of the force required at the pedal to create a given propulsive force at the wheel, potentially leading to more strain on the body when you run out of gears.

Does crank arm length really matter

'As far as maximal sprint power and metabolic cost are concerned, crank length can be anywhere from 145mm to 195mm and it really doesn't matter. 'A longer crank is basically a lower gear ratio. It might allow you to climb better, but its effect is tiny compared to shifting up two sprockets on your cassette.

What are the benefits of shorter cranks

Going to a shorter crank will allow you to ride at a lower back angle which minimizes frontal surface area improving aerodynamics. It can be frustrating to know that there are many available crank options that would work for an athlete.

What do longer crank arms do

It changes gearing
So if you do end up changing crankarm lengths, it will change your gearing as well. The relative jumps between gears stay the same, but the overall range will feel slightly easier to pedal, or smaller, with shorter cranks and harder with longer ones.

What difference does crank arm length make

'Shorter cranks will almost certainly help most riders be more comfortable on a bike,' he adds. 'They help soften the impact of cycling on the body. Think about it: the equation is 2πr, so crank length changes that circle significantly, and going shorter appreciably reduces the range of joint movement.

What would be the effect of using longer crank arms

As you'll know from using a crowbar or a wheelbarrow, the longer the lever, the greater the load that can be lifted; so a longer lever arm allows a rider to create more torque than a rider with similar leg strength, but a shorter lever arm. But there's more to going faster than driving a big gear.

What length of crank arm should I use

Basically, Shimano thinks 170 to 175mm is the Goldilocks zone of crank length for most people and most bikes.

Should I use shorter cranks

“For aero or time trial positions, short cranks are 100 per cent the way to go”, Burt says. “If you're riding in an aggressive position using long cranks, you're going to be closing up your hip angle. This can constrict your breathing and negatively affect your power output.”

How important is crank arm length

A short crank reduces the circumference that the foot must travel to make a complete pedal stroke. … Meanwhile, a longer crank allows a rider to push/pull harder ratios but makes it more difficult to maintain a high cadence.