Hello.
My season peak FTP is around 3 points and my inseam is about 81.
I started cycling in the summer of 2022, and I've been riding pretty hard since then.
When I first started, the original crank I bought was 170mm,
and I used an 11-30 cassette. Then, due to the issue of pulling a 5-tooth chainring on a steep climb, I rode with an 11-32 for a while.
Since then, as my form has improved and I've been doing strength training, I've been constantly changing my settings.
The first time I used a 165mm crank was right before last season, and it felt great.
It definitely felt less strain on my knees, so I changed all the bikes I had to 165mm cranks.
After purchasing a TT bike and going through the fitting process, I tried a 160mm crank. It also felt like it was made for me?
When sitting and pedaling uphill about 10%, there was less loss and the torque felt evenly applied.
However, on steep climbs of 15%~20%, it was definitely harder ;ㅅ;
My sprint power peaked at 1200W, and I could maintain 7~800W for 5 seconds, but it wasn't easy to exceed 1000W for a second ;ㅅ;
On the other hand, I felt like I could maintain 800W for a little longer?
My pedaling became more stable, and when sprinting, the rear wheel bouncing and slipping decreased.
I'm not sure about long-distance efficiency.
Anyway... that's how I feel, so my current settings are:
TT : 160mm standard 11-30 (setting for never going on steep climbs)
Aero : 165mm compact 11-30 (if there's a need to ride it...)
All-round : 165mm compact 11-32 (this is what I have to ride in Chuncheon...)
I'm riding with these settings.
Here are some personal thoughts I've gathered:
- A difference of about 5mm adapts within a week
- Reducing the crank length makes pedaling smoother and reduces knee strain (naturally increases cadence)
- If your inseam is short, 160mm or less may be worth considering.
(Conversely, long-legged riders with a longer inseam might consider using a 165mm crank...)
- Reducing the crank length changes the pedaling style, and this requires a complete fitting adjustment.
- It's best to try it before the season starts. You adapt quickly, but there is an inevitable decline due to the subtle change in the muscles used...
- If you need to ride uphill a lot and find it difficult, consider a longer crank length
- Reducing by about 5mm seems to be balanced with reducing the crank size by one step.
- Pedaling becomes slightly easier, but don't expect a sudden dramatic improvement ㅡ.,ㅡ;
That's all I can think of for now.
Personally, the biggest factor was the reduced strain on my knees.
I want to ride for a long time because of my health. ㅎㅎ;
P.S. I'm monitoring a slightly less short-legged person with an inseam of about 83~4 who is using 165mm cranks. ㅋㅋ
