Which crank arm length to choose

Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.

Veloscot

Über Member
Location
Edinburgh
I need to replace my now quite worn SRAM Force compact chainset but am wondering which crank arm length to go for. I'm 6' ft tall. My current cranks are 172.5 mm. There is a 175mm and 177 mm option though.

I suppose I get on just fine with the 172.5 mm but does anyone know if there are any benefits from having a longer crank arm given my height? For instance does this give me more power/leverage when doing really steep climbs? Does anyone else of the same height as me opt for a longer or shorter crank?
 
It's very much a personal thing.

IMHO speed derives from a mixture of cadence and power - if the balance of your mixture is more cadence (ie high rpm) than power then the shorter length cranks are the way to go and vice versa.
 
OP
OP
Veloscot

Veloscot

Über Member
Location
Edinburgh
Thanks for that. I guess I'm trying to strike a comfortable balance. Perhaps the only way to really know is to get a proper bike fit done rather than rely on guesswork. My average week tends to comprise of two or three rides - a midweek ride at high cadence over 45-50 miles and a longer weekend ride in the hills so my cadence is usually a good bit lower.
 

Rob3rt

Man or Moose!
Location
Manchester
It depends on your proportions and position on the bike.

Without getting all technical about it, you won't know. So I would just say, if your current crank length seems fine stick with it!
 
Top Bottom