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Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - max crank length

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dminefield

01-13-05, 12:24 PM

Hey I was wondering if 172.5 is too long a crank (in your opinion/experience) for a fixy...
seeing as how all of the newer Campy cranks pretty much only come in that odd size. (or 175)

peace

isotopesope

01-13-05, 12:31 PM

i would think 172.5's would work... definitely so on a frame with a higher bottom bracket, such as a track or criterium frame.

crustedfish

01-13-05, 02:02 PM

it will work...if youre riding style/pedal choice/regular routes dictate.

BostonFixed

01-13-05, 02:08 PM

I run 175mm cranks on one of my fixed gear bikes. Pedal strike is a noin issue for me. This is on a touring frame with a low bb. Don't worry about it. You should be fine.

keevohn

01-13-05, 04:12 PM

Agreed. Plenty of taller roadies use 180mm cranks (don't think Indurain ever went down from pedal strike), and Lennard Zinn offers cranks as long as 220mm. I think the only way it would be an issue on a fixed gear is if you're planning on riding at a velodrome.

manboy

01-13-05, 04:31 PM

I might differ with that opinion--I've had pedal strike on 170s when making quick maneuvers.

However, you just have to be careful. If you don't try anything too crazy at first, it probably won't be a problem, and you'll get a feel for how far you can lean without pedal strike. With me, it was never something that would cause me to wipe out. I just made some sparks and soiled my britches.

baxtefer

01-13-05, 05:06 PM

I run 175's on a low-ish BB'd touring frame. no problems so far. (aww crap I just jinxed myself)
just don't run huge mega-platform pedals and you should be fine. Take corners slow to begin with and slowly learn how far you can lean it over.

na975

01-13-05, 05:07 PM

im building a fixe, i can't decide on a 165 or 167.2 crank ? 49cm rush frame. im 5'5" tall.

BostonFixed

01-13-05, 05:20 PM

im building a fixe, i can't decide on a 165 or 167.2 crank ? 49cm rush frame. im 5'5" tall.

I would say 165mm, because you are pretty small, and I don't see how 2.5mm would make a significant difference.

BostonFixed

01-13-05, 05:25 PM

The only time I have ever had pedal strike is when I rode too close to the curb, and my right crankarm was actually over the curb, and when I was on the downstroke, The pedal hit the curb, ****ing up the bottom of the pedal, and putting me into a sort of pedal grind! :D
I rode it out. No biggie.