Crank arm length and gearing
- Thread starter Arron_w
- Start date
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Rob3rt
Man or Moose!
- Location
- Manchester
That would not have any effect to the rider, the pedal spindle would still be in the same place.
Cycleops
Legendary Member
- Location
- Accra, Ghana
Your best bet would be to change to a compact chainset. This would give you lower gearing without needing to change anything else. Regarding changing he crank lengths this might be worth investigating as longer ones will give you more leverage, bearing in mind the longest commercially available length, to my knowledge, is 180mm the difference is not going to be huge. I think what is more important is the relation of crank length to your leg inseam. After some research some time ago in France the recommended ratio is 21 to 22% ( crank length to leg inseam). If you deviate too much from this you might interfere with your 'natural' pedalling action. If your cadence is around 80 rpm (quite relaxed) then longer cranks might be a benefit due to the increased leverage. Inseam being measured from your crotch to the floor.
Nigelnaturist
Guru
- Location
- Pontefract
Would it not be easier just to change the cassette 39x28=36.63", 34x28=31.94" 39x30=34.19", as would you not need to change the complete chain set, (not to clued up on doubles, compact or not) but are the B.C.D. different on doubles and compacts, and then adjust the height of the front mech.
As I say I maybe wrong, I often am.
OP
OP
Arron_w
New Member
Shorter crank arms won't alter your cadence.
If this is a medical issue (which is it is) and not you just being a pussy, you are forgiven for buying a bigger cassette and if you still struggle, for fitting a compact chainset!
Or you could just avoid the hills for a while longer until you regain
It is medical mate managed fine on all the cat 4 till I had my femur broke and reset doing this they have knackered my quad
GrasB
Veteran
- Location
- Nr Cambridge
They're right, it's the easiest to reverse as well.
OP
OP
Arron_w
New Member
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RWright
Guru
- Location
- North Carolina
If it is Shimano you could look for the Unit you have here. http://techdocs.shimano.com/techdocs/index.jsp
See what they say it will handle. I have read of people going beyond the limits they recommend with it and making it work but not something I would try.
See what they say it will handle. I have read of people going beyond the limits they recommend with it and making it work but not something I would try.
RWright
Guru
- Location
- North Carolina
Steve Hogg, an Australian bike fitter that I have read and used some of his ideas, has done a little personal research on crank lengths. I found it an interesting read, but inconclusive as he states.
http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/blog/2011/06/crank-length-which-one/
I personally think with some of these cranks:
and some of those elliptical chain rings like Wiggo was sporting at one time, a good airbrush artist and some hi viz colors florescent paint...well you get the idea, the possibilities would be well...interesting.
http://www.stevehoggbikefitting.com/blog/2011/06/crank-length-which-one/
I personally think with some of these cranks:
and some of those elliptical chain rings like Wiggo was sporting at one time, a good airbrush artist and some hi viz colors florescent paint...well you get the idea, the possibilities would be well...interesting.