I have joined the 165 club
- Thread starter teeonethousand
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Big John
Legendary Member
I came into possession of a nice chainset and never checked the crank length. I'd worn one of my chainsets out so thought I'd drop this one on. Took it for a test ride and for sure it felt different to the 170s I've always had. Didn't like it at all but it was a piece of quality kit so I thought I'd leave it on. Now I'm so used to it that it just feels normal. I'm no faster and I'm still crap on hills. It just feels like....well....any other chainset.
Seems that the pro's have been taking my advice, according to Google ....
Professional cyclists are rapidly switching to shorter crank lengths to improve aerodynamics, increase cadence, and open up hip angles for better power output. While standard lengths were once 172.5mm or 175mm, many pros now use 165mm cranks, with some, like Jonas Vingegaard, even using 150mm cranks.
Professional cyclists are rapidly switching to shorter crank lengths to improve aerodynamics, increase cadence, and open up hip angles for better power output. While standard lengths were once 172.5mm or 175mm, many pros now use 165mm cranks, with some, like Jonas Vingegaard, even using 150mm cranks.
- Location
- Somewhere wet & hilly in NW England.
I don't even know what a hip angle is - the shame of it. 
travellingwest
Well-Known Member
May I ask what were your knee problems that it solved?
I'm having knee issues and thus wondering if the cranks are part of the problem.
Dogtrousers
Lefty tighty. Get it righty.
I don't even know what a hip angle is - the shame of it.
Acute angles are hip. Right angles, on the other hand, are totally square.
Obtuse angles just don't get it.
The warden in Shawshanks Redemption was called obtuse by Andy,he later blew his brains out.Make sure you get your position right or there is hell to pay.
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
I can't speak for others but in my case I couldn't set the saddle to the height I wanted without it making my knees hurt. If I dropped the saddle to a height where the knees were okay the bike then felt sluggish to ride. The difference on the shorter cranks is quite subtle but being able to set the saddle how I want it I'm now quicker off the mark because it feels better holding on to a lower gear for a bit longer. I can push harder for longer on the flat without straining myself. Climbing feels better and I no longer have the sensation of the muscles burning when transitioning from flat into a climb or from a climb into a descent.
I was hoping it would sort out cramp on long rides for me - it's improved but I still do get it if the route is very hilly or I've pushed myself too hard earlier in the ride.
Edit to add: If you are considering changing because it's currently fashionable then the differences are pretty subtle so you may not notice much benefit. If you are considering it to fix a specific issue like I did then I'd say it is worth a try.
Last edited:
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
I agree with all those saying it makes no real difference. I'm of the opinion that it's a fashion and may well revert in the future.
A few weeks ago I was speccing a new bike with my LBS, the crank length question came up. I spoke to my bike fitter who as it happens is married to my PT. Clearly they know my body well. The response was "unless you have a hip impingement there's no benefit whatsoever in shorter cranks."
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
This is the point my bike fitter made. The more open angles help to negate the impact of any impingement.
