Crank length question

[nuthatch]

Okay, I put the 175 cranks (with bike attached ) to the test this past weekend, with a really windy, fast ride. I spent alot of time watching the disappearing backside of my riding partner!

I just couldn't keep up and I'd like to blame it on a more inefficient pedal stroke because I'm not used to the bigger circles I'm turning with the cranks. Of course, it could be the extra 10 winter pounds on ME, a heavier bike, etc., etc.

I made sure my seat was up as high as it could go without hurting my knees but that put the handlebars way low (ouchie to the neck). What felt good on the first ride (a sedate 12 mph on a quiet day) was all wrong on a challenging ride. So the bike got returned to Performance.

I'm checking out a Novara Randonee now. It's incredibly heavy (28 lbs naked) but I just love the adjustable stem on the bars (neck happy!) and the mountain crank and cassette for those hills.

Of course, I'll STILL be looking at my riding partner's backside! She's riding an 18 pounder! Waaiiitt fooorrr meeee!!!

Thanks for all the advice and links!