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Both my MTBs (one recently moved on) have had quite high BBs (compared to today's trends) and I've run 175mm cranks, with no real pedal strike issues.
About to build up a Ragley Bigwig, which has quite a low BB. Bought a set of new Deore 170mm cranks, but just noticed my daughter's bike (which she rarely rides) has 165mm cranks (XT, which, whilst older, would be a bonus). Would they be a better bet, or are 165mm cranks just for kids and people with stumpy legs (I don't particularly!)
I'm 6ft/1.83m tall and use 165mm cranks. Anything longer gives me knee pain - in fact experimentation has shown 160mm to be about optimum for me, but they're rare as rocking horse droppings.
Contrary to popular belief, the shorter crank doesn't make it less efficient, as the shorter lever is compensated for by the fact that your legs are straighter during the pedal stroke (when seated). It feels slightly strange at first when honking out the saddle, but sitting down took about 5 minutes to feel perfectly normal.
YMMV, of course, but seeing as you've got a pair of cranks that you could try then I'd urge you to give it a go.
Considering this too. Currently riding a Cotic Rocket26 with 175mm cranks, but in the garage is a FlareMax frame. Wheels are bigger, but bottom brackets have dropped a lot, so... is the bottom bracket actually lower to the ground? Should I get 170 or 165 cranks to avoid pedal strikes?
I used 165mm cranks, yes i am a short arse but i use them for reducing pedal strike on my enduro, hardtail has 175 on them and i don't really feel a difference, best thing is to reduce the size of the chainring as well, so if you have a 32t maybe go 30 or 28 to keep the same ability through the gearing.
I have 165mm cranks on my Geometron and 175mm cranks on my Airdrop Hardtail and don’t notice any difference.
I have using 165mm cranks for 4 years now as I was suffering from knee pain. Virtually eliminated the pain,what i did notice is that you are faster taking away.
5ft 10, used 165mm cranks for a while as they prevent pedal striked on new fangled low bb bikes.
Also meant I could fit a longer dropper post in my bike (equivalent to having 10mm chopped off the top of your seat tube!).
33.5” legs and I have 170mm cranks on the hardtail and 165mm on the full-sus. I think I prefer 170 but it’s a close run thing. I prefer 165 to 175 by quite a margin.
(If you’re wondering what saddle height that leg length equates to, I’m running a 185mm dropper on a bike with a 455mm seat tube).
165mm cranks on the hardtail and full sus, maybe the fatbike and also on the road bike. Pedal clearance for the MTBs and better spinningness on the road bike, plus I have short legs.
got 165mm on the grrravel bike to help to toe overlap with 2" 29er tyres on. Got Zees cos they were cheep, so it's very grrr.
As above, I notice for the first 2 mins, then stop noticing. Any changes in leverage will be mitigated by gear choice, and/or pedalling a tiny bit harder.
I’m on 165’s on my rocketmax. Feel fine, a bit odd initially for about 5mins of the first rode out on them. Not notices any positive or negative about them really. Got them to avoid pedal strikes but as if a few mm’s makes any difference, best way to avoid pedal strikes irrespective of crank length is to pay attention to the up and coming trail and time pedal revs which might mean putting in a quick quarter turn here and there Or delaying a pedal stroke to avoid obstacles.
Have them on all my bikes.
I'ma shortarse with knackered knees and they really help with pain reduction compared to anything longer.
I have 165's on all my bikes. I have for years now.
My legs are on the shorter side, but mainly it's because i can get more ground clearance. This is especially useful on more modern 'low' frames.
With good technique, the main real advantage of 'torque' on longer cranks is negated a bit.
assuming the 170's are not just 175mm cranks with the pedal threads slightly higher up can you really tell 2.5mm of difference?
I'm 5'7 and have 165mm XT's on 2 bikes. Better than 170. I find it improves handling as I can pedal around choppy corners better.
Its a real pity the cheaper groupset Alivio/Deore etc don't have a 165mm option. Otherwise I'd have them on all my bikes/ wife's bikes and kids bikes.
165s on all bar the road bike and that's only because it was bought as a complete and barely gets ridden.
I really don't understand why 175s are the standard?
I'm 6'2 and ride 165s on my hardtail and dh bike, 180mm on my road bike. probably a bit less leverage or whatever, but it works fine
160mm rocking horse droppings
https://www.mountainbikecomponents.co.uk/product/rs7-square-taper/
I do, just over 6’ and it is fine. Good ground clearance and no issue with leverage.
I'd like to run 165mm. Anyone seen any xt or slx for a reasonable price? Or anyone not got on with this length and have a 2nd hand set for sale?
Since switching to 165mm there has been zero cons, it's all pros so I'll always buy 165mm from now on.
Poah, its 5mm difference.