anyone run 165 cranks for cross?

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Permalink Reply by Chris Mayhew on August 22, 2011 at 6:59pm

Vs what on your other bikes? For what reason?

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Rosenberg on August 22, 2011 at 7:41pm

i found an old crank that happened to be 165, i've used it for commuting /long distance rides/ low gear spinning, i race single speed CX and i was definitely considering running with the same crank arm length. IDK if 5 mm will make the difference, but  i think it could be worthwhile.......on the flip side, i know guys out west who run 175, it's all a crap shoot sometimes....go with the lightest and strongest in your price range

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Permalink Reply by Erin on August 22, 2011 at 7:44pm

i've been running 170 on my other bikes, but i'm only 5'2 and have been contemplating going shorter bc i find them uncomfortable. just wondering if losing the 5mm of lever length will make a difference, or if i'll really need it in cx

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Permalink Reply by Chris Mayhew on August 23, 2011 at 7:15pm

I think it's fine to experiment, certainly. That's not a big difference. On the other hand, if you find 170's uncomfortable I'm not sure simply shorter cranks are going to address the issue. But it's a small experiment so it's worth trying.

You won't really have any change in leverage. It's a geared bike and the difference is so small it won't have much effect.

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Permalink Reply by David whitlock on August 22, 2011 at 7:59pm

Yep. I run 165 SRAM red with a 48/34 and an 11/28 for everything (CX, road, mountain, touring...) and find the length very comfortable, easier on my knees and more efficient for hill climbs.

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Permalink Reply by Wayne on August 22, 2011 at 8:00pm

IMHO. I wouldn't change too much from my normal crank length if at all, serious knee damage possible

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Permalink Reply by J.D. Kimple on August 23, 2011 at 6:07pm

There are two schools of thought here. One is, as some eluded to, that the longer lever helps you push the gear over. The other is that a shorter crank arm is easier to spin. I guess it may depend on what sort of rider are you? If more of a spinner, then 165 may be the way to go.

My personal preference is that I'm still undecided.

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