Originally Posted by climbo
Road and MTB I ride the same. I already run 175's on the road and MTB, wouldn't go any bigger. Pedal clearance is an issue off road also, plus, extra leverage is good on climbs but lots of MTB riding is done in a spinning type style also.
Plenty of SS MTB'ers seem to like the 180 MTB cranks but they cannot spin fast RPM's up a hill, it's all about leverage there.
Crank length is a tough one. Generally, I'm of the opinion that everything should be proportioned to the rider. The bigger you are, the bigger everything needs to be. That's the only sense I've made of 20 years of thinking too much about bikes!
I think it's very 'pro staus quo' to assume everyone should fit neatly into the only three sizes of cranks that the major manufacturers have conveniently decided to rationalise for manufacture. It's impossible or ludicrous to think 3 sizes fit everyone.....what's next, 5 size frames fit everyone?
I think there might be a 'theortical' crank length to leg (upper or lower of both, I have no clues), but that goes out the window with cadence because at lower cadences longer crank arms provide more leverage, but may not be better at higher RPMs.
Cranks that automatically change length with cadence anyone?
Anyway, the bottom line is that I've almost been convinced by an article that argues that our attempts at bike aerodynamics are a joke and should be ignored by 99.9% of us, so perhaps I'm not the right person to ask about these things!
Lugged bike with Open Pros and 32 cross 3 non aero spokes anyone?