Boys...lets stay on topic and deflect the drug discussion for a change. I was in experient mode this summer and sent an e-mail to Sheldon Brown for his advice. He said that a rider is no faster on longer cranks 0-5mm and a 2.5mm crank length change is virtually imperceptible. Have to report like the other guys...since I went from 175mm to 172.5mm thinking I could spin smoother at higher cadence...I lost power. So as other reported including Terry who may be the leading expert on climbing here...longer cranks do create more power for climbing...prefaced by...if they aren't too long. One of the very rare times I disagree with the bicycle expert Sheldon Brown based upon my experience...and don't thing long cranks are placebo either.
George