Originally Posted by
2old
Some of the hard riding locals are going to shorter cranks, experimenting with ones as short as 150 mm. This is pretty extreme IMO, but works for them. A 150 adds an inch of travel over (presumably) your 175's. In socal (for me) traction isn't a major issue and at times I've used narrower tires (mostly for weight reduction). They offer some degree of help too.
150mm are they sit and spinners? From I read for road bikes there is no lose in power if you are sitting and spinning.
The longer arms have advantage for instant power ( say like getting over a boulder on 15% grade hill etc.. ) and standing and sprinting.
I have been wanting to try 150mm on my road and maybe gravel bike. maybe I should try it on the mtb. hmm...