180mm cranks for me?

[futonrvltnst]

Hi,

I've always used 175mm cranks on all my previous bikes and my previous singlespeed. Anyway, I don't necessarily feel the need for 180mm crank arms, but am curious as to the actual/percieved benefit. I am 5'10" tall, but don't have particularly long legs. So, I h=guess any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Colin

[Nat]

Hi,

I've always used 175mm cranks on all my previous bikes and my previous singlespeed. Anyway, I don't necessarily feel the need for 180mm crank arms, but am curious as to the actual/percieved benefit. I am 5'10" tall, but don't have particularly long legs. So, I h=guess any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Colin

Hmmmm, I'm 5'10", have short legs (29" inseam), and like the 180's.

Setting up the mathematical proof here, from Algebra I...

Let Nat = 5'10" + 29" = 180mm

If Colin = 5'10"
Then Colin = 180mm

Yes, you would indeed like the 180's!

[mtbpinky]

What ever... You got a point. I rode 175 on everytihing for years. Got some 180. love em. I'm not sure how big a difference it is in fact, but they just FEEL really good. I'm gonna go ride em now.

Bye Bye....

[Cloxxki]

Miguel Martinez = Former Olympic Champion = 5'4"/5'5" ?
175mm cranks exclusively.
Remember how all shoudl be in proprotion. Do the math and see how big you could go without exceeding the relative crank length of an Olympic Champ. And he's a gearie, even...

[Sideways]

It's all about femor length and it's not a linear relationship.

[SScheetz]

I switched to 180s about a month ago. The extra leverage works great for me. I'll never use 175s on a SS again. If your riding style is mostly out of the saddle (like most SS's) I think you'll like them.

I only have 2 minor complaints. Since I now pedal a larger diameter and my feet are big, my heel nicks the chain stay (sometimes). And I have lost 5mm of pedal to ground clearance.

[aka brad]

Hi,

I've always used 175mm cranks on all my previous bikes and my previous singlespeed. Anyway, I don't necessarily feel the need for 180mm crank arms, but am curious as to the actual/percieved benefit. I am 5'10" tall, but don't have particularly long legs. So, I h=guess any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Colin

A couple months ago I switched from 180's to 175's; I did not change my gearing (34;18/32:17). The result has been predictable. My seated grinds feel stronger but there are a couple of steep climbs I used to be able to do that I can't clear now. I'm also 5'10" with 32" inseam. Since I do race from time to time, I figure I'll time myself on a couple loops and switch back to 180's. Hopefully I'll have the results by the end of next month and my race at North Star.

1G1G, Brad

[futonrvltnst]

Thanks for all the replies.

I live in S. Florida, so there are no extended climbs, just short & steep climbs. But, I do have two sets of 175mm cranks here, so I am more inclined to run them since I woun't have to buy anything new.