What length cranks is everyone using?
08-08-06 | 05:54 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Taking "s" outta "Fast"
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,989
Likes: 0
From: Zoo York City
What length cranks is everyone using?
So I'm building a bike from the frame up, and in the process of specing out the bike I was wondering what everyone is running in terms of crankarm length.
I'm using 165mm on my track and roadbike, and while I thought they were sort of weird at first, I've grown accustomed to faster spinning and the shorter profile. The last time I went on a technical MTB ride(borrowed bike, 175mm cranks), I bashed the pedals and cranks on almost every rock and ledge there was. It may have had nothing to do with crank length though. It sounds crazy, but after riding the fixie so much Im just no used to coasting anymore.
I think I'm going to run a 2x9 setup with a bashgaurd on this build. It's going to be an all around XC, light freeride/urban (<5'), occasional racer setup. Anyone with input about crank lenght affecting your ride?
I'm using 165mm on my track and roadbike, and while I thought they were sort of weird at first, I've grown accustomed to faster spinning and the shorter profile. The last time I went on a technical MTB ride(borrowed bike, 175mm cranks), I bashed the pedals and cranks on almost every rock and ledge there was. It may have had nothing to do with crank length though. It sounds crazy, but after riding the fixie so much Im just no used to coasting anymore.
I think I'm going to run a 2x9 setup with a bashgaurd on this build. It's going to be an all around XC, light freeride/urban (<5'), occasional racer setup. Anyone with input about crank lenght affecting your ride?
08-08-06 | 06:57 AM
#5
On my new bike the Enduro SX Trail they are 170's, on all my other bikes they are 175's (4 others)
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
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"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
08-08-06 | 07:03 AM
#6
.
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,939
Likes: 1
From: The Summit of Lee
Bikes: Hecklah
175...any shorter and I'd be robbing myself of power.
08-08-06 | 07:04 AM
#7
Originally Posted by a2psyklnut
On my new bike the Enduro SX Trail they are 170's, on all my other bikes they are 175's (4 others)
Although my 05 SXT was speced for 170's, they're actually 175's.
08-08-06 | 07:19 AM
#8
Yeah, I got a Trail, it's an '05 as well.
It "looks" pretty stock. The first thing I did however, was to change out the stock headset and put in a Chris King, then I pulled the shifters, cassette and chain off and put my 8-speed XTR shifters, XT cassette and Sram chain on it. Oh yeah, I put some ODI grips on there.
I'm looking to swap out the tires as well.
Other "potential" mods include swapping out the cranks for some Profile Racing tubular chromoly cranks I have, with Race Face chainrings.
I keep debating with the seat issue. I have an Azonic saddle that I'll most likely put on there. I was going to put my Thomson Elite post on it, but it's been cut for my old bike and is too short. Plus the stock Syncros post is pretty nice.
I like the bike, I'm still fiddleassing around with the suspension settings. The 66 just doesn't feel "right". I need a "TUNING Manual" for it.
It "looks" pretty stock. The first thing I did however, was to change out the stock headset and put in a Chris King, then I pulled the shifters, cassette and chain off and put my 8-speed XTR shifters, XT cassette and Sram chain on it. Oh yeah, I put some ODI grips on there.
I'm looking to swap out the tires as well.
Other "potential" mods include swapping out the cranks for some Profile Racing tubular chromoly cranks I have, with Race Face chainrings.
I keep debating with the seat issue. I have an Azonic saddle that I'll most likely put on there. I was going to put my Thomson Elite post on it, but it's been cut for my old bike and is too short. Plus the stock Syncros post is pretty nice.
I like the bike, I'm still fiddleassing around with the suspension settings. The 66 just doesn't feel "right". I need a "TUNING Manual" for it.
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
08-08-06 | 11:23 AM
#15
Throw the stick!!!!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 18,150
Likes: 93
From: Charleston, WV
Bikes: GMC Denali
175's on my mountain bikes, 172.5's on my roadies.
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I may be fat but I'm slow enough to make up for it.
08-08-06 | 12:06 PM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
Likes: 9
From: England
Knowing someones crank length is not much use without knowling their size.
A 175 is "normal" for a M size MTBer but small for a really tall guy and very long for short woman.
Once you know your own normal length you can adjust bigger or smaller to get more torque (not power) or more pedal clearance and faster cadence.
A 175 is "normal" for a M size MTBer but small for a really tall guy and very long for short woman.
Once you know your own normal length you can adjust bigger or smaller to get more torque (not power) or more pedal clearance and faster cadence.
08-08-06 | 01:15 PM
#18
DNPAIMFB
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,655
Likes: 0
From: Cowtown, AB
Bikes: Titus El Guapo, Misfit diSSent, Cervelo Soloist Carbon, Wabi Lightning, et al.
170 on the road bike, 172.5 on the SS, 175 on the other SS, 175 on the mtn bike. I used to ride 180mm on the mtn bike, but I spin more now...
08-08-06 | 02:34 PM
#20
is slower than you
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 0
From: WI
Bikes: Gunnar Sport, Marin Pine Mountain, Gunnar Ruffian, Gunnar Roadie, BMC Fourstroke, Salsa Vaya
175. 170 on my road bike.
08-08-06 | 04:35 PM
#21
i am going to try 165mm on my current project
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