crank length for new bike

[VeloVT]

I'll share my experience, for what it's worth (maybe not very much, since I'm not the same size, and it doesn't address toe overlap issues at all). I'm 5'6". I have a 52 cm cx frame and a 54 cm road frame, both still with stock cranks. The 54 cm frame has 172.5mm cranks, and the 52 cm frame has 170mm cranks.

I notice the difference. Really. I wouldn't have believed I'd feel a 2.5mm difference but I do. I definitely prefer the 172.5 mm cranks. I feel I get considerably more power, especially on hills. Since I'm also thinking of switching the cx bikes triple for a compact double with slightly higher gearing, I'm considering getting longer cranks at the same time.

FWIW.

Oh, I'm also a size 39 shoe.