Re: crank length -- TimeTrial.org Message Board

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Date Posted: 20:38:58 08/27/04 Fri
Author: Jeff Mathews
Subject: Re: crank length
In reply to: R.J. 's message, "crank length" on 05:12:30 07/31/04 Sat

>Currently I am riding 175. I am 6'5" and wondering if
>the I should go longer to improve power or even speed
>for that matter. I was thinking 177.5 or 180. I ride
>tri and TT.

Yes you should go longer, or at least give it a try and see how you like the longer cranks. The extra length will give more leverage to help turn big gears. Cranks are just a tiny part of the whole package. You still have to train hard!!!

Of course, increasing power increases speed. Top road pros for decades have gone to longer cranks for TT's. Indurain rode 180's for his 5 tour victories and went to 190mm cranks for his hour record.

Contrary to popular belief, there are NO correct formulas for crank length, no way to determine what is correct for anyone based on height or inseam or whatever. It's all about preference. Longer cranks may increase tendonitis in some riders (rare) due to the increased range of motion (bigger circle).

Velo News many years ago (mid 1990's) did an experiment on crank length. Test subjects ranged from a 5'2" female to a 6'4" male rider. ALL subjects went faster on 180's.

I tell riders to go to the 180's no matter what they are on right now (if they are considering going bigger). This of course applies to road/tri events, not the track.

Your body will adapt to whatever you subject it to. Going up in 2.5 mm increments is a waste of time. Go straight to the 180's and get used to them for a few weeks. You should know after a short while if the longer cranks are for working for you.

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