170mm Crank length ...
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

[Closed] 170mm Crank length on 650B's?

7 Posts
5 Users
0 Reactions
52 Views
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Eyeing up a new purchase for 2015, Notice a lot of bike's I'm targeting (Canyon Strive, Spectral etc) seem to come with 170mm cranks, this is the new "norm"? Even on the Medium/large sizes.

Is this due to the 1x11 gearing, overall rollout of the bigger wheels?


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 8:09 am
Posts: 21461
Full Member
 

Interesting. I thought choice of crank length was influenced by height and cadence. These in turn are influenced by genetics and the type or riding. I'm not sure where wheel size or fashion should come in to it.

Most road bikes have crept up from 170 to 172.5 as the norm which, if what you say takes hold, would make road cranks longer than mtb ones.


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 8:15 am
Posts: 33980
Full Member
 

More to do with lower BBS I'd imagine


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 8:17 am
Posts: 21461
Full Member
 

If it is to compensate for a low bb, that really feels like a bodge to me.


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 8:20 am
Posts: 22
Free Member
 

Ridden bikes with both and not really noticed any difference, once seat height was adjusted


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 8:27 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
Topic starter
 

I'll have to go test ride some, see whats what, I fitted 170mm's to my Guapo - that had BB height issues. Didnt like it..


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 8:38 am
Posts: 4588
Free Member
 

Its because those bikes have a lower bottom bracket, so the crank is shorter to reduce the chance of pedal strikes.

I've just fitted 170mm cranks to my new frame for the same reason.


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 8:38 am
Posts: 21461
Full Member
 

Most people don't notice a difference but if you're one of the people who do, then you really do. I spec 170 on all my bikes, road or off road, after going shorter seems to have solved a knee issue.


 
Posted : 30/12/2014 8:38 am

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!