Choosing the right crank size to ride on can bring such great benefits to cyclists – more efficient pedaling, less muscle fatigue, ideal power distribution, less injuries, and comfort while on the bike.
By doing so, you will always be able to optimize performance and enhance your experience if you already compete.
For beginners or amateurs, it is important to know that this part of the bike with the wrong dimensions can even aggravate knee pain or back discomfort, and therefore, the ideal size is essential when pedaling.
Not sure what to consider when choosing between the different sizes available on the market? This article will explore the benefits of longer and shorter cranks, as well as teach you how to measure them and determine the ideal length for you!
What is the crankset?
The crank is sometimes referred to as a crank, pedal set, crank or connecting rod. It is part of the bicycle that will transmit the force applied from the leg of the cyclist into the crown so that the pedal can move.
It sounds like a pretty corny pun, but the crank is nothing more than a crank for the feet, hence the other name.
To improve your performance even more, this tool needs to be the right size for your bike and make the activity more comfortable for you. Take a look at how to measure the ideal size!
What are the benefits of longer cranks?
Although longer cranks may appear to amplify the effect of a given input force when pedaling, there is no evidence that they increase output power, that is, there is no indication that having a longer crank arm will give you more speed or pedaling force.
Instead, longer cranks can make pedaling more difficult, as they force your joints to go through a greater range of motion, leading to fatigue .
Shimano, the world’s largest bicycle component manufacturer, recommends 170-175mm cranks, which provide an ideal balance between rotational inertia, rotational speed, frame design and biometrics.
Do you prefer the shorter ones? Take a look at the advantages of this group too!
What are the benefits of shorter cranks?
Shorter cranks can help if you have knee problems or experience back pain while cycling because they put less stress on your joints and hip flexors. They also increase ground clearance, which means less worry about your pedals constantly scraping the ground.
Furthermore, some studies focused on professional cycling indicate that shorter cranks can improve performance for cross-country cyclists, as they reduce the time needed to reach maximum power.
For road or time trial cyclists in an aggressive aerodynamic position, they are also often the best option.
Why choose the right crank size?
Choosing the right crank size for you can help prevent injuries and muscle strains ! Crank size can influence the effort you make while pedaling and is therefore a topic of debate when it comes to performance and comfort on the bike.
According to Phil Burt, a physiotherapist who is recognized worldwide as an authority in the bike fit niche, there is no ideal crank length. There are probably wrong lengths for you, but not necessarily a right size.
Bicycles are designed based on the normal height distribution curve, but since there are millions of cyclists out there of all different heights, it’s not a good idea to rely on a standard and risk getting hurt, right?
Standard-size cranks, for example, make up a larger percentage of a shorter rider’s leg length, meaning that a 175mm crank will likely make up a much smaller percentage of a very tall person’s leg length than a 170mm crank will make up a shorter person’s leg length.
Problems such as an inability to spin at high cadence, joint pain, or the rider’s knees hitting their chest or handlebars when riding in an aerodynamic position are often the result of using cranks that are too long for the bike’s position or physiology.
And how do I know the ideal crank size for me?
The best way to determine your ideal crank size is to have a professional bike fit. It all depends on your riding style, discipline, and physiological attributes.
The process of figuring out the best size for you on your own involves defining your riding style and preferences, considering your setup, and using a pedaling analysis tool to study your power output on different crank sizes—which will also require an investment on your part to have these items at home.
