Crankset change--advice appreciated!

[Ana]

And yeah, why are you changing the chain already, and what do you mean by "regularly"???

Oh right, that. I was advised to change it by my LBS....so I did Since then I researched it myself and am monitoring it (Sheldon Brown's handy 0.5" between the links) since I do not have a chain tool.

I just thought I'd mention it so you knew there would be minimum damage to the teeth

[Cataboo]

I'm 5'1, 29 inch inseam, and I ride 165's. I haven't tried a 167.5, but I definitely don't like 170's - they hurt my knees.

You can sell your old cranks on ebay or via your local craigslist. I wouldn't expect to get more than $100 or so for them if that.

[Crankin]

I've always had 165s. Also am 5' 1" with 28.5 inseam. When my Kutoa got built up, they "tried" to convince me I would become a "wild devil" and climb like the wind with 170s. One ride with those cranks, sent me right back to the shop. I felt like I could barely push the pedals. I like to spin and I guess they couldn't believe that. It took 2 weeks to get my 165s, but they did it.

[Ana]

My inseam is about 28.5 inches too! I'm not a good climber and I feel like it's a bit difficult to push the pedals

I'll look into 165mm. . .

[lunacycles]

My geometry is such that I have to put my seat farther back than I thought

Hi Ana,

Hearing this, plus the fact that you have a 28.5 inch inseam tells me a 165mm crank may not be the best idea for you.

Why do you have to put you seat further back? If it is to achieve the standard "knee over pedal spindle" position, then changing to a 165mm crank will mean you have to push your saddle back even further to attain the same position.

Shorter cranks are a good idea if you tend to ride at a higher cadence and have relatively short femurs. They can cause problems if you don't and/or if you have any front of the knee kind of pain. Just a heads up.

Also, presently Shimano offers cranks in lengths of 165 or 170mm, and no longer in 167.5mm. I don't know of any manufacturer who does offer that length at present.

Good luck whatever you decide.

[Ana]

Just to clarify, I have to move my seat back in order to have a bearable weight distribution between my saddle and my handlebars

I'm seriously considering going in for a professional fit as an early Christmas gift to myself...I just feel wimpy because my endurance has been so low. I think that if I eliminate the pain and discomfort from my ride, I will be more apt to hop on my bike

[OakLeaf]

Wait, wait, wait. After reading that I just re-read your original post.

"The longest part of your leg extension is not at the bottom of your stroke?" Your saddle was probably already too far back. Adjust your weight distribution with the stem (length, rise, height if you have room for more spacers) and possibly the TILT of the saddle. Depending on your preferred riding position, different handlebars might help too. Set your fore/aft saddle position to set your knee in the correct position over the pedal spindle.

You should be able to get a professional fitting done for about the same price as a new crankset...

[VeloVT]

Just to clarify, I have to move my seat back in order to have a bearable weight distribution between my saddle and my handlebars

I'm seriously considering going in for a professional fit as an early Christmas gift to myself...I just feel wimpy because my endurance has been so low. I think that if I eliminate the pain and discomfort from my ride, I will be more apt to hop on my bike

Don't be intimidated by your fitter... you're paying them.

Otherwise, I think Oakleaf has the right take on this.