Changing Crankset (FSA Gossamer)

[Citius]

Would a shorter crank length be any easier on the knees for someone with knee problems?

If it gives you a more optimal bike fit, then yes, very possibly. It would depend on what the issue was though, I guess..

 

[Ajax Bay]

Would a shorter crank length be any easier on the knees for someone with knee problems?

Suggest this is sufficiently 'off topic' to start a new thread. Or why not look at:
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/crank-arm-lengths.158664/

 

[NorthernSky]

having an issue with right knee pain so want the shorter crank in case it is this causing
i'm not worried about power etc, just want the most comfortable ride

are the frames standard, ie i could get any new bottom bracket and crankset?
doesnt seem this MegaExo BB is very popular?

 

[Ajax Bay]

Read the thread I suggested https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/crank-arm-lengths.158664/ wrt crank length and knees.

Frames are not standard (wrt bottom brackets and much else (!)) but there are plenty of BB that will fit. Obviously the crankset and BB chosen need to be compatible.
See the BB bit of:
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/knackered-bearings-after-4-300-miles.194250/[/QUOTE]

 

[Ajax Bay]

with regard to crank lengths, this seems a pretty well constructed article:
http://bikedynamics.co.uk/FitGuidecranks.htm

 

[Citius]

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11417428

 

[Sharky]

A final thought on crank lengths.

If you reduce from 175 to 145, you raise your saddle by 3cm to keep the same leg extension when at the bottom of the pedal stroke. But at the top of the pedal stroke, the distance from pedal to saddle has been increased by 6cm. This will open up the hip angle and reduce the knee angle quite a bit, so if you are experiencing knee problems or finding it uncomfortable in a "drop" position, shorter cranks could be worth looking at.

 

[NorthernSky]

been looking around, i dont see anything below 170
is anything below that bespoke or specialist.

 

[Citius]

been looking around, i dont see anything below 170
is anything below that bespoke or specialist.

165 is relatively common, other sizes are out there, but you may need to compromise on BB type...

 

[Ajax Bay]

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...gclid=CLz9k9Hrs8oCFYOfGwodkdoP4w&gclsrc=aw.ds

but as @Citius has just said, probably a BB change too.

 

[Sharky]

been looking around, i dont see anything below 170
is anything below that bespoke or specialist.

I had two of my crank sets re-drilled down to 150mm and bought two pairs of Sinz cranks one 145mm, but Sinz seem to have dropped out. Other makes such as promax offer short cranks. Mine are all still square taper bottom brackets.

 

[NorthernSky]

i'm 5'9'' and read 170 should be about ok for me

 

[Sharky]

i'm 5'9'' and read 170 should be about ok for me

I'm 5'9" as well.

170 is a good length and what I have used for most of my life, but shorter still for me feels much better.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I'm 6'1 and 170 does for me.

 

[NorthernSky]

hi
which BB would i need for this?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351634871174?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
woudl this fit?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-ultegra-6700-bottom-bracket/rp-prod38998