I saw some Dura Ace track cranks on Craigs list that are 175mm long. I am used to 170mm and haven't had a toe overlap problem yet. I have a conversion with about 9 1/2 inches of BB clearance.

It sounds like a good deal_$160 for crank, bb and a Vuelta chain ring. Brand new the crank is like $300.

Any input would be welcome.

Try it, you can always sell later if they don't work out.

I ran 175s with no problem. They did tend to wanna make me bounce when I was spinning fast tho.

i run 175s on my mtbs and that's what i was used to. they are better for leverage but as mentioned not as good for spinning. when i started riding fixed my cranks were 172.5 and even with those i get a bit of pedal strike every now and then. personally i feel shorter cranks are better for road/fixed bikes but ymmv.

Thanks for the input. I think I will get them if they look ok and see how it works.

id be wary of pedal strike with 175's on the street, but youll probably be ok

Yea, I use 170s on my conversion but dont really get too much pedal strike. Sounds like a deal that you could flip if you dont like how it works out.

Sounds like a good deal..i would take it. Although im running 170 mm on my conversion and would like to have a little shorter.

i have 175 campy's on my de bernardi conversion with no problem (frame is a 58)

I run 175s on all my bikes so that I won't notice any change when switching between bike(but Ihave very long legs). I'd buy 'em, and flip 'em if there's a problem.

I run 175's on my conversion and have some problems with pedal strike, but once you get used to it, it's fine. There's definitely some bouncing when I'm spinning out, but I like the extra torque i get wheN I'm running 82 GI.

I bought the crank set. The Dura Ace words are mostly rubbed off the arms from straps but otherwise in good shape. Looks like only track ridden.
Will install tomorrow and report back.
48t chain ring, I need a 17t cog now for 77.8 GI.

Install is done and went for a test ride. It feels good just different since it has 144 bcd, 175mm arms and the rear wheel is now all the way to the front of the drop outs.

Bike has 2 different wheels since I am not sure if I will go with the deep v's or the silver low flange hubs.

Here's some pics.

I switched back to the 172.5mm Sugino messengers today to compare. There seems to be more of a pedal strike issue with the 172.5's than the Dura Ace 175mm because the DA cranks have a narrower Q factor. The inside of the crank arm on the DA is almost touching the chain where as the crank on the messenger is a good 1/2 " or more from the chain.

I think this is a correct assumption. Tell me if I am wrong.

Also does it make any difference in acceleration with 144 bcd on the DA as opposed to 130 bcd on the messenger?

I know I am over thinking it...

I'm sorry to break up this thread a bit, but I just have a basic question. I'm new to the single speed/fixed gear world and am currently working on a build. I have a flip-flop hub, but I'm wondering what is the best gear ratios/ crank length. I'm not sure if my size would make a huge difference (6-6" 230) on gear ratios/ crank length. Any help would be appreciated-thanks

Bolt circle diameter has NO effect on acceleration that you could possibly feel. The diameter of the chain ring and length of crank arm are the critical parts of the geometry. Where the chainring is attached to the crank makes very little difference (it is just a trade off between size of the spider and the geometry of the chain ring and doesn't affect gear ratio at all.

16 posts with nary a whisper about the OP's height, which generally dictates crank length. Go bikeforums.

I am 6' 1" with a 34" inseam.

I'm 6'2" and have one bike with a 170 and another with 165 and I really like the 165 a lot better. The tighter radius feels more natural especially when I'm spinning faster...plus I can hit corners harder. The two bikes have pretty different geometries though (surly steamroller and broakland pipebomb) so that might play a role in it as well.

i have 175 on my road bike and 165 on my track bike.

it's really more important to have a bike that fits and a spin that you can get on top of. if you're tall i'd say go for the 175. if you're really short or have a low bb then beware.

Could you tell me what you mean by getting on top of the spin?

Also I have no problem with pedal strike and the 175mm. I may have mentioned that the only real way to get a good comparison would be to jump from a 175mm bike to a 170mm or shorter crank and feel the difference. Of course there couldn't be too many other variables, say one bike being a Pista concept and the other a Windsor Hour.