{"id":66835,"date":"2020-12-08T14:23:43","date_gmt":"2020-12-08T22:23:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/?p=66835"},"modified":"2020-12-09T08:10:35","modified_gmt":"2020-12-09T16:10:35","slug":"crank-length-what-length-cranks-should-i-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/crank-length-what-length-cranks-should-i-run\/","title":{"rendered":"Crank Length: What Length Cranks Should I run?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Running a longer crank might seem like it will increase power, but for most cycling disciplines, the research suggests otherwise. Here\u2019s why you should opt on the shorter side and prioritize comfort over leverage when choosing a crankset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more training and cycling related deep dives check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BF7nJpjI1Q8&amp;t=5832s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast Episode 287<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Does Crank Length Matter? (Ask a Cycling Coach 287)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LXLrRXplLKA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" data-load-mode=\"1\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Finding the Right Crank Length<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Variations between crank lengths are quite small, but the difference between the wrong and the right length can be big. This is because your crank length plays an intrinsic role in your bike fit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you change the length of your crank, it raises or lowers the position of your foot. When your foot&#8217;s position changes, your saddle needs to be raised or lowered the same amount. Adjusting your saddle height alters your body position in relation to your frame, and depending on the adjustment made, will open or close your hip angle.&nbsp;When done correctly, changing crank lengths can impact comfort, aerodynamics, clearance, and performance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Crank Lengths&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most cranksets are available in 160 mm, 165 mm, 170 mm, and 175 mm options. Though, 167.5mm, 172.5 mm, 177.5mm, and 180mm lengths are also available for certain cranksets.&nbsp;Because the crank length is a part of your bike fit, the best length depends on your height, body proportions, and joints. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"at-cta\" class=\"cta\">\n    <div class=\"adaptive-training-cta-image\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"cta__copy\">\n        <p class=\"cta-title\">Adaptive Training<\/p>\n        <p><strong>Get the right workout, every time<\/strong>\n        with training that adapts to&nbsp;you.<\/p>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/adaptive-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"btn btn-primary\">Check Out TrainerRoad<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>With that being said, there\u2019s some flexibility when it comes to choosing a length. In fact, you may find that you can swap between two different lengths without any issues or even without noticing a difference. This might make you wonder, if I have the flexibility to swap between two different crank lengths, should I opt for the shorter crank length or a longer one? Is there an advantage to going with either one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Power vs. Comfort<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re considering two different lengths you might be tempted to choose the longer of the two. This is likely because longer cranks offer more leverage which leads many athletes to believe that these cranks create more opportunity for power. While a longer crank does have more leverage, the research on the relationship between crank length and power maximization suggests that running a longer crank arm only offers a maximal power advantage at extreme lengths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crank Length for Power<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In studies on crank length and power, referenced below, athletes only saw an increase in their maximal power, in proportion to crank length, when they went to the extremes. In the first study referenced,  there was only a 2-5% decrease in power between crank lengths when athletes used the shortest 120mm crank and the longest, 225mm. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/49826900_Effect_of_Crank_Length_on_Joint-Specific_Power_during_Maximal_Cycling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">another study<\/a> on the optimal crank length to leg length ratio, athletes only saw a 4% decline in power between the 120mm and 220mm lengths. Most athletes from this study also found that the 170mm crank length was the sweet spot regardless of the athlete&#8217;s inseam measurement. The accumulation of this research and a few additional studies suggest that crank length optimization is irrelevant to power, speed, and efficiency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group key-takeaway\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Crank Length Resources and Studies&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/00140138308963449\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The effect of bicycle crank-length variation upon power performance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/49826900_Effect_of_Crank_Length_on_Joint-Specific_Power_during_Maximal_Cycling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Effect of Crank Length on Joint-Specific Power<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdnsciencepub.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1139\/h97-027#.WZ-KdoVfpXc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Effects of Bicycle Crank Arm Length on Oxygen Consumption<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/publication\/11923708_Determinants_of_maximal_cycling_power_Crank_length_pedaling_rate_and_pedal_speed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Determinants of Maximal Cycling Power: Crank Length Pedaling Rate and Pedal Speed<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/02640414.2016.1215490?journalCode=rjsp20&amp;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Acute effects of small changes in crank length on gross efficiency and pedaling technique during submaximal cycling<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=79okJ8Lyj0E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How Crank Length can Improve YOUR performance<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Crank Length for Comfort<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>So if the discrepancy in power output between the extremes is fairly small, what should the deciding factor be when choosing between crank lengths? The short answer is comfort because it has a direct correlation with performance. Crank length can enhance your comfort and as a result increase your performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you might be able to swap crank lengths without any issues, for some, opting for a longer length can cause discomfort on the bike with increased rocking in the saddle and added pressure on certain joints. Choosing a shorter option can increase comfort and improve long term joint health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Advantages to Shorter Crank Lengths&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also numerous advantages to running a shorter crank length. A shorter length improves aerodynamics by widening the hip angle and dropping your front end closer to the front of the bike. In a bike fit adjustment with Bradley Wiggins, Wiggins dropped from a 177.5mm crank arm to a 170mm crank arm, which dropped his front end by 30 millimeters. As a result, he accumulated a 3.5% improvement in aerodynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s also a technical advantage to using shorter cranks as they offer more pedal clearance. In particular, if you\u2019re an off-road athlete, running a shorter crank length will give you more clearance pedaling up technical sections of trail and an increased response time during races. Even cyclocross and criterium racers may be less likely to clip a pedal with a shorter crank length.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Moving Forward&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s logical to consider your crank length&#8217;s effect on power maximization, it doesn\u2019t have enough impact on power for that to be a deciding factor in your decision. It\u2019s much more impactful to prioritize comfort by choosing a crank length that puts you in a comfortable position on the bike.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With all that being said, if you\u2019re experiencing any type of pain due to your bike fit, or crank length, you\u2019ll most likely want to work with a physical therapist or professional bike fitter to choose the best crank length for you. You can read more on bike fit here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/a-conversation-about-bike-fit-with-dr-andy-pruitt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A Conversation About Bike Fit With Dr. Andy Pruit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><i>For more cycling training knowledge, listen to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/podcast?utm_source=TrainerRoad%20Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog%20Post%2Flower%20weekly%20tss%20and%20still%20get%20fast&amp;utm_campaign=TrainerRoad%20Blog%20Content&amp;utm_content=Ask%20a%20Cycling%20Coach%20Podcast%20%E2%80%94%20the%20only%20podcast%20dedicated%20to%20making%20you%20a%20faster%20cyclist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ask a Cycling Coach \u2014 the only podcast dedicated to making you a faster cyclist<\/a>. New episodes are released weekly.<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Running a longer crank might seem like it will increase power, but for most cycling disciplines, the research suggests otherwise. Here\u2019s why you should opt on the shorter side and prioritize comfort over leverage when choosing a crankset.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":66836,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[1156,73,2646,3596,1216,3610,3611,3181,2747],"class_list":["post-66835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-training","tag-back-pain","tag-bike-fit","tag-crank","tag-crank-arm","tag-crank-length","tag-cranks","tag-crankset","tag-gear","tag-length"],"cc_featured_image_caption":{"caption_text":"Model: @trilla_e \/ Photo Credit: Alonzo Tal","source_text":"","source_url":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66835","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=66835"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66835\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/66836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=66835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trainerroad.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=66835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}