Limited availability of 170 mm cranks

[gthcarolina]

I'm builiding an MTB for my wife who is 5'2." She has always ridden 170s in the past. She likes to push big gears at relatively low cadence. (I don't think she thinks about it but it is what she always does) Can I put her on 175s or is that too long? I keep looking for 170s but there are not many out there. My preference is xtr 952 or Race Face with square taper (because I have like 5 bbs that will fit)

[shiggy]

Do not limit yourself because of the BBs you have on hand. You may need a different length spindle than what you have.

[gthcarolina]

Do not limit yourself because of the BBs you have on hand. You may need a different length spindle than what you have.

But that makes less things to buy.

[20.100 FR]

keep her on 170 !

[Shayne]

Walk into your LBS and ask them to order you a set. That's about as hard as it is. There is a pretty good selection of arms available in 170.

Now try finding 172.5, 167.5, or 165mm arms. That can be tough.

[Beankeeper]

About a month ago, Nashbar had 167.5mm M952 downhill cranks. I bought a set and then ordered a 5 arm XTR spider from Shimano and it made an awesome crank. they may still have that crank left. It was on sale for about $100 (seriously). Look in their closeout section or call them.