70's Schwinn crank arm length
09-19-11, 11:51 PM
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70's Schwinn crank arm length
I have a quick question.
I have a Schwinn Breeze (1977, smaller 17" frame) that lately I ride every day, but its crank arms are good 1" shorter than my other bikes, including the Bridgestone Kabuki road bike from (I think) the same year as Schwinn. It measures about 6-1/2" tip-to-tip, so from center of crank bolt to center of pedal spindle would be more like 5-1/2".
Please take a look at this;
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-SCHWINN-...6#ht_537wt_962
This is about the same as mine. Is this a standard length for Schwinn adult bikes of the day, or is this shorter than normal??
I have a Schwinn Breeze (1977, smaller 17" frame) that lately I ride every day, but its crank arms are good 1" shorter than my other bikes, including the Bridgestone Kabuki road bike from (I think) the same year as Schwinn. It measures about 6-1/2" tip-to-tip, so from center of crank bolt to center of pedal spindle would be more like 5-1/2".
Please take a look at this;
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-SCHWINN-...6#ht_537wt_962
This is about the same as mine. Is this a standard length for Schwinn adult bikes of the day, or is this shorter than normal??
Last edited by maestrohound; 09-19-11 at 11:54 PM. Reason: added information.
09-20-11, 12:53 AM
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Crank arms come in several lengths, depending on what the rider wants/needs for pedal stroke. Your other bikes are probably around 175mm; this crank is around 165mm. This isn't anything Schwinn-specific.
One piece cranks were standard on most older American bikes, and were kept in use for BMX. If you want longer crank arms, there are plenty of options out there. One piece cranks are all basically the same quality*, so go with the cheapest option.
*Aside from chromoly cranks which are stronger for use on BMX bikes that see heavy riders and jumps. Not something you really need on a road bike.
One piece cranks were standard on most older American bikes, and were kept in use for BMX. If you want longer crank arms, there are plenty of options out there. One piece cranks are all basically the same quality*, so go with the cheapest option.
*Aside from chromoly cranks which are stronger for use on BMX bikes that see heavy riders and jumps. Not something you really need on a road bike.
09-20-11, 05:51 AM
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The ebay crankset should work for you. I might have a spare Varsity crankset in the basement I could send for shipping. It should work as well. I'll try to take a look tomorrow.
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09-20-11, 06:12 AM
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That ebay link is a 5 1/2" crank. Definitely shorter than normal for an adult bike. They came in one inch increments, 4 1/2", 5 1/2" and 6 1/2", maybe other sizes as well. You probably want a 6 1/2" which is equivalent to 165mm.
09-20-11, 06:18 AM
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09-20-11, 06:35 AM
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17" frame is pretty small. 5 1/2" cranks are pretty small. It sounds like a good match to me.
Most 3-speed bikes --especially English ones-- came with 6 1/2" cranks, even for large people. Even if yours are noticeably shorter, I'm sure they will work fine.
Most 3-speed bikes --especially English ones-- came with 6 1/2" cranks, even for large people. Even if yours are noticeably shorter, I'm sure they will work fine.
09-20-11, 04:16 PM
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Thank you guys! I guess mine is a 5-1/2" as well, then.
Pastorbobnlnh, that'd be great if you can find it. I'd be interested!
Pastorbobnlnh, that'd be great if you can find it. I'd be interested!
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