Crank Lengths.

[Mark W]

Ahoy.

I've been offered some Tensile cranks with a Gigapipe for £100. This is tempting. However, I ride mod and they're in 175mm crank arm length. I haven't used cranks that long before (170mm's the most I ever had, when I had Tensiles on my T-Bone back in the day, running 22:14 (Y)), so I was wondering how it would affect the feel of the bike? Specifically, the power I could get out of it? I'd still be running my 18t Eno up front and the 12t fixed sprocket at the back, but would that gearing feel ultra spinny if I had cranks 15mm longer (running 160's at present)? Or would it feel harder? Using the door principle, 160mm cranks would be like trying to open a door nearer the hinges (harder) and 175mm cranks would be like opening a door further out (easier), but because it's the same ratio would it affect the power delivery/available much? Or would I just be best off buying some new Tensiles and a new BB?

Thanks for any help,

Mark.

[andyroo]

It would make sense that because of the greater leverage, the gearing would feel easier, making power moves easier, but pedaling might be harder because the circle drawn by the pedals is bigger, but if your tall, then it should be quite good. Im finding the 160 onza pedals so short thatits hard to control them, like riding a kiddies bike with small cranks, if you get what i mean (Y)

[Mark W]

I was thinking that about power moves, but for upping and gapping I wasn't 100% about that idea just 'cos I didn't know whether it'd feel too spinny?

[Brisa]

I run 170mm echo cranks on my mod. This is my first mod and only set of cranks I have used but I find it perfectly fits on the bike.

I can up higher on my mod instantly (been riding stock since I started about 1.5 years ago)

Power moves are also great. I think you will notice a difference but will get used to it...

[andyroo]

I was thinking that about power moves, but for upping and gapping I wasn't 100% about that idea just 'cos I didn't know whether it'd feel too spinny?

←

I would think, (and this is only opinion not fact!) That because you have to move your feet in a bigger circle, that would almost counteract the spinniness to them. Quite a few nod riders run 175 'burns, so It shouldnt be a problem. Like I say, I'm 6'2" and 160 feels waaay too short.

AND ive just thought, you would be able to do the same rolling ups and gaps from closer to the obstacle because you can get the power out through them quicker.

Get, them, and if you dont like them, I'll have 'em (Y)

[JT!]

I run 170mm tensiles with a 1.5 gearing. They are a tiny bit too long of me. Longer cranks do make your gearing feel lower (easier to pedal / slacker).

As for gapping, you can go one way or the other. If you get too long cranks, you may have to move your legs too much to gap well. If they are too short you won’t get that kick you get with longer ones.

If you are really lanky with long legs you could just about get away with them. You are riding a t-pro, with relatively long stays, so they might go hand in hand with long cranks. Because if you have longer stays, you need more power to get onto your back wheel, and gap and such. Longer cranks will create this power.

I use my cranks a lot of resting on rocks and stuff, longer cranks make that easier, i think that’s why ben slinger used 175mm tensiles on his t-lite. (or so I hear).

Verdict: You have long stays on the t-pro, it will be better than having long cranks on a short bike. If you have long lanky legs it might suit you more, you can always sell them on easy enough anyway.

Edited March 14, 2005 by JT!