POLL: crank length & height

[Pedal Wench]

5'4", and all three road bikes have 170's. My newest bike (my bella Bianchi!) was built from the frame up, but since I knew I loved the fit of my other bikes, I automatically ordered 170's for the new one.

[drplasma64]

I'm 5'2"

my centurion accordo road bike has 165 mm crank arms. I can't remember if it was standard or not (in 1989). I do remember that I got a shorter stem (90mm) than standard at the time. Maybe even narrower handlebars. It was not a "woman's bike" (aka, not a stepthrough, the only option at the time).

my new Trek7200FX hybrid for kid carting will have 170 mm (that's the standard for the 15" size, and it is a "womens", but not a WSD but not a "Ladies Stepthrough") and I hope they'll be OK.

I've actually been obsessing about whether the crank length is going to be a problem...I was looking at the LeMond website and saw their small size Etape bike come with 165mm and shorter stems and narrower handlebars. Sigh.

[newfsmith]

I once was 5' 0", but now I'm shrinking. I'll tell my age (58) a lot quicker than my current height. My Felt road bike, Terry touring bike, and Terry hybrid all have 165 cranks. My Specialized MTB, modified for winter commuting, has 170's.

[Tess851]

5 foot 3, 165mm cranks on both track and road bikes.

Had 170mm on old clumker, but wouldn't go back to them as the stretch is too long for my legs. Felt like a pygmy when I first got the 165s, but now spin my heart out in 42/12 pacing guys grinding away in 53/11

Have 36 ctc handlebars on both road and track bikes. Much comfier than what bikes usually come with. Haven't worried about any other adjustments than getting the right seat.

Stuff's available if you want it - and if your LBS isn't supplying, let them know you can spend your money elsewhere if they want to make it a hassle for you to get what you want.

[Surlygirl]

Another half pint here, 5ft and a tiny bit
I have 165 Ultegra cranks on my road bike. Better for the knees. They told me 170s would help me power up hills better but I have bad knees so the less stress the better, I spin. They are not uncommon so don't let the LBS give you a hard time about special order.

[Pax]

I'm really glad to hear all of these thoughts on cranks. I'm buying a new bike in Chicago this weekend (hopefully) and I keep running into problems with too much bend in my right knee (lots of knee surgery). I never knew sizing down the cranks was an option! Thanks again TE'ers.

BTW - I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam.

[LBTC]

5' 1 1/2", 28" inseam (same as my DH, btw, who is 5'6")

165 mm MTB - a Santa Cruz Juliana Super Light (women's specific). I opted for the XTR group, but, the cranks/front rings of XTR at that time would have killed me, so mine are XT. They've got more XTR options now, 165mm crank length and compact chain ring....if I could justify the purchase, I'd totally option that up!

170mm road - came with the Shimano 105 group.

My Santa Cruz always feels better than my road bike, and I've never even considered if crank length is a possible issue. Now that you mention it, I think I'll ask DH to start Ebay hunting for me!!

I really like the fit, plus, I've been told the shorter crank also provides faster acceleration.

Ditto on the whole options for small people issue, though. I waited much longer than we wanted to for a full suspension MTB that fit me! At least things are improving!

Namaste,
~T~

[CorsairMac]

another beer holder for tall guys:

5'2" 29" inseam

Trek 1100 Road: 50 cm frame, 165 cranks (and toe lap)
Peugeot Road: 51 cm frame, not a clue but probably 170 (and toe lap)
Trek 820 Mtb Bike: who knows
Trek 200 Navigator: who knows

(ain't I just a Wealth of info )

[DeniseGoldberg]

I'm 5'5", and the cranks on all of my bikes are 165mm.
All custom, 2 touring bikes (1 diamond frame, 1 Bike Friday), and a Bike Friday road bike.

[jobob]

Sheldon Brown may not necessarily have the Last Word on all things cycling (tho he comes close ), but he tends to have a lot of useful info on his website.

Here's his take on crank lengths:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cranks.html

[spazzdog]

5'7", 32" inseam, 52cm bike, 170's

spazz