Originally Posted by
noglider
165mm is 5mm shorter than the standard of 170mm, right? 5mm is about a fifth of an inch. How much extra clearance does that give you around the corner?
I think fixies get 165mm cranks because of tradition more than any other reason.
combine the shorter crank length, higher bottom bracket, and track pedals...and pedal strike potential is significantly lowered
new, highly "evolved" track bikes used by pro track racers still are equipped with 165mm cranks. these bikes are built for nothing but speed. I doubt "tradition" has anything to do with it.