Thread: Ask Scrod
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Old 05-28-12 | 12:23 PM
  #3924  
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JohnDThompson
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From: Appleton WI

Bikes: Several, mostly not name brands.

Originally Posted by mhd44
How do I know which cranks length won't hit the ground when I'm riding? I've done the crank length calculator thing and it's told me 172.5 or 175 but I don't want to get something too long.
Pedal strike is a function of crank length, bottom bracket drop, pedal design, and speed in the corner. The more clearance you have (short crank arms, high bottom bracket, low profile pedals), the faster you can take corners without striking a pedal. Each of these parameters represents a comprise to some degree; it is up to you to prioritize these characteristics to meet your personal needs.

Keep in mind that crank length calculators generally assume a road bike with a freewheel, not a fixed gear. You can use 175mm arms with a fixed gear, but it will mean taking more care in corners (i.e. slower) than if you had shorter crank arms.
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