Mountain Biking - Crank arm length

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thetiaan
06-14-04, 04:12 AM
Howzit guys...
I ride a Kona Nunu (1999), and I am upgrading my drivetrain.
Now, the arm length of the crank, does this make such a big difference?
Currently I've got a 175 on it. I'm 6 foot tall, so would a 170 be to short?
Is 5mm worth an extra 3 week wait?
Thanks
Chiao

jeff williams
06-14-04, 05:00 AM
Why do feel a need to reduce? I, by measure should do 165+, I run standard ol' school mtb 170. Racing (ya- I'm the pro :rolleyes: ) 175. Cadence considered, @ 6 foot I think your going the wrong way, unless you want to spin fast- personally I'd lower my chainring T count first. Unless you have real short legs...
a2psyklnut
06-14-04, 09:13 AM
A lot of downhillers, 4x and slalom racers run shorter cranks to have more height clearence. I wouldn't recommend going to a shorter crank length unless you are going to get into some form of racing.

For general riding, 175's are recommended. Unless you are REALLY tall or REALLY short. At 6'0" I'd stick with 175's.

L8R

B1105
06-14-04, 12:09 PM
Yes, 175 or 170 is a good idea. I ahve 165s on my DH bike and the extra clearance is nice, but you can def tell a difference in the amount of power in comparision to my 170s and 175s.
jcivic00
06-14-04, 09:06 PM
longer crank= less clearance, more leverage and torque. and vise versa