165mm Cranks - The Pro Tech Trend You Need To Follow

If you want to be more aero and therefore get faster, you should pay attention to the latest pro tech trends. If the pros are doing it, surely you should too…
Liam visits expert bike fitter Bryan at The Bike The Body to talk about whether you should change your crank length.
We find out why the pros are making the switch to shorter cranks and what benefits swapping could have for you.
Have you tried shorter cranks? Let us know in the comments.
www.thebikethebody.com/
#cranks #bikefit #aero
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:43 Baseline Test
02:10 Swapping To 165mm Cranks
05:00 The Benefits Of Shorter Cranks
06:08 Real-World Testing
09:02 Outro
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[@bikeradar]

Have you tried shorter cranks? Let us know in the comments!

[@bikedawg]

shorter cranks suck for climbers. you lose a gear when going from 170 to 165.

[@oOoACFREEMANoOo]

I went from 170 to 165, im 170cm, i am even thinking about 160 or 155

[@DaniClaps]

While track riders are going away from 165mm cranks, road riders are trying the short ones for the first time.

[@myNamezMe]

As a shorter rider(167 cm), 165 mm seems to be the longest crank length I can use without getting any knee issues. On my dialed in road bike 150/155 mm works well, once you get used to it. As the knees aren't as bent, it also feels easier to muscle the gears, if needed.

[@911norman]

I went from 175 to 170 on a smarttrainer and my RPM went up from 90 to 100. I just couldnt stop spinning.

[@macscotsman51]

I shortened my mtb cranks down to 155mm just 6 months ago. That may seem extreme so let me give these reasons: I’m 74 years old & still riding 16%+, dirt, mountain fire roads. I’ve shattered my right leg twice. The most recent 5 years ago. My leg, knee & hip are a mess. Shortening the cranks has enabled me to continue riding. I was real close to giving up but now I ride like I’m only about 60 years old =:). Your video has reinforced my decision to try shorter. Thank you

[@spencerhackwell4299]

Thats so cool 🤙🏼

[@mrstanhope1516]

I don't ride with cranks anymore. Bike is now more aero and lighter.

[@KeithHeinrich]

You are ahead of the curve on this one. Next year everyone will be on board. 😂

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Genius

[@spliffonator1]

165cm rider here, went to 155mm Rotor Aldhu cranks over a year ago. FTP is up, max power is up, comfort is up… only thing I wish is that I’d changed sooner

[@JAB-jp6le]

How much did your max power increase from decreasing crank length? 41% of tibia length suggesting ~160mm for me, currently at 172.5mm

[@spliffonator1]

@@JAB-jp6leI can’t directly attribute them, but around 150 watts, current max is over 1,300. I highly recommend you go shorter.

[@emusp]

I'm about the same height. Just got the same crankset in 155mm. Looking forward to test it.

[@briandriscoll1480]

@@emusp I'm 163 cm tall, and last month went from 165 cranks on my Orbea Rise to 155. But earlier this month I also changed by sprocket from 32T to 34T to give my road speed a little more upper end. I suspect it's a wash in overall power.

[@jordiw3692]

Switched to 165 to accommodate a knee injury. As in the video, it was immediately noticeable and odd feeling. But quickly it became a welcome default, and now going back feels quite uncomfortable. I haven’t noticed any downside re power, despite the lower crank leverage. I suspect that is down to a more efficient motion. Anyway, I’m all for it.

[@stevekelly6544]

I’m thinking of sizing down for my bum knee- hill climbing isn’t any harder with shorter arms?

[@verynaughty6563]

It is quite surprising how a change in crank length changes the feel; I went from 172.5 to 170 years ago, and it was immediately noticeably smaller. Bearing in mind, that's only 5mm difference both sides, but then stopped getting left hip pain on longer rides. I have a 165 crankset on my tt bike so I can stay aero for longer, not really noticed any tangible difference in power or times, but then I'm not a pro. Any difference in speed will be down to whether I have pasta or chips for dinner the night before.

[@ukestjohn]

I'm only 160cm tall, I use 152mm cranks on both my touring bike and my road bike. Feels great, easy to spin. Feels really good when out of the saddle climbing.

[@KurtisPape]

I'm 178cm and all my mountain bikes came with 175mm, my road and gravel bikes came with 172.5mm cranks which I recently swapped to power meter cranks and stayed 172.5mm which I am now kicking myself for because I had an opportunity to try short cranks but now im stuck with long cranks

[@myNamezMe]

Seems like the context of body/inseam length often gets lost when the discussion of crank length pops up.

[@ariffau]

Great content ❤

[@kaotictube]

I considered this, but only because I have long torso and shorter legs, 176cm tall but only a 81cm inseam... Having shorter cranks means I don't have to stretch my legs as much and and not have my knee hit my chest when pedalling.

[@BeyondEcstasy]

Uh you made me feel my short leg build. 180cm with 80cm inseam

[@stevenr5149]

I am 5'2" I was on 155 Rotors for years. Now that the arthritis in my hips is significant, I upgraded to La Dixna 140 length cranks. It made my hips feel 25 years younger and allows me to be on the bike much more. Climbing on them is surprisingly fun. Like jogging up single steps-rather than skipping a couple of steps at a time.

[@Calboy31170]

I wouldn’t call the proper fitment a trend. If you wear a size 9 shoe, you don’t go and buy a size 12.

[@richeeg3271]

It's a little bit more complicated then that though. For the example longer cranks are better for out of the saddle acceleration, which may be important for MTB or crit racing

[@richeeg3271]

But both those disciplines can be affected by pedal strokes, so it's kind of a balance between acceleration and hip openness and risk of pedal strikes, which should be adjusted accordingly to the riding style

[@StopTheRot]

@@richeeg3271no they are not - not in my experience. It’s the one thing that shorter is better at. Everything else favours longer cranks.

[@fidru]

​@@richeeg3271Im still not sure if I try a shorter crank. how does it change the performance of the saddle on steaper climbs?

[@bendardania]

I have tried 165mm crank. Amazing, but….. when I am out of the saddle it sucks. I feel like am falling…. When sitting though, it feels amazing.

[@ronb9901]

Maybe readjust your cleat position.

[@aldrinclementina4297]

I’m 173 used to ride 172.5 but switched to 170mm cranks. I can now maintain a steady cadence easily even when I’m tired and t the verge of being dropped 😂. With the 172.5 I would drop like a leave from a tree the moment I feel so. I wonder if the 165 will be better for me. Thanks in advance

[@meibing4912]

Have changed to 165mm cranks myself - highly recommended - the hips feel a lot better after riding hard.

[@Sator810]

Used 165mm for three years now. Feels good, especially on the aero bars, and reduces chance of toe overlap and pedal strike in tight corners. But I don’t like them when going up a hill out of the saddle. Feels like walking a stair with a bit too small steps. Glad I bought them, but I wont go any shorter.

[@treyquattro]

a before & after test with numbers would have been useful: what was the RPM difference for a given power output?

[@thomasv.s.2826]

Went from 172.5 to 150 on my TT bike. Only upsides as long as I remember to keep the cadence above 100 rpm.

[@n22pdf]

I switched from 172.5 to 170 a few years ago.. recommended by bike fitter.. amazing the difference and always go 170, not tried shorter but I have few bikes so would I hope I wouldnt like it as would be expensive to switch them all over😅Pete

[@Criscross292]

I decided to leapfrog to the year 2054. Currently running 120mm Cranks. Amazing!😂

[@bikeradar]

What else does the future hold?? 😂

[@user-qx4bp5rf3n]

How tall are you? 145-155cm?

[@Gufolicious]

im on 165 since 3 years, it was the best change i have ever made and people where making fun of me at that time.

[@bikeradar]

People always mock what they don't understand

[@Gufolicious]

im not mocking anyone but people have different talents. and talking infront of people in a video is not his. maybe he is a good journalist and a nice guy but this performance is not me mocking him, you guys are mocking your audience with this. its like i would go sing infront of 500k people in a stadium to taylor swift lyrics and if someone calls me out i tell: people mock what they dont understand instead of admitting that im probably not a singer.@@bikeradar

[@stijnschaerlaeken7529]

How tall are you @gufolicious ?

[@user-vm1gq5vg4q]

​@@Gufoliciouswhat are you

[@RyonBeachner]

A few years back I bought and borrowed a few used cranks and tested the following lengths over the span of a few months. 175, 172.5, 170, 165. Conclusion? Shorter cranks made holding an aero position easier, however it came at a cost of leverage, which took away a bit of “snap” acceleration. If I were building a TT bike, it would absolutely have a short crankset, however for my every day road bike, I’m happiest with 172.5 or 170. The other thing I noticed was the natural self selection of gears would change, with shorter cranks causing me to select a larger cog, and the longer cranks causing me to select a smaller one. The power output didn’t change, simply how it was delivered. 300w is still 300w etc.

[@vkingsak]

I have exactly the same experience.

[@nuttynut722]

Orange top grey tight, Liam never disappoint

[@bikeradar]

I believe the kids call it a 'fit'

[@bikeradar]

Might even start a #grwm series, who knows

[@fidru]

so if I change from 172 to 165mm I probably have to get a shorter stem? due to the fact that the sattle will probably be moved back and up?

[@Kactusdog]

Can someone define/clarify what is meant by "opening up the hips"? I've heard it thrown around in several ways regarding fit and position.

[@thebikethebody]

What we are referring to here is the angle of the hip at the top of the pedal stroke - ie the position where the hip is most flexed (closed up) so when we shorten the crank we can ‘open up’ or increase this angle - this is crucial if a rider has hip stiffness or impingement etc. hope that helps explain

[@edsassler]

The latest video in a trend that makes cyclists look like sheep - stupid ones at that. Bike fitting is the science of interfacing a simple machine with good quality control (a bike) with a complex machine that has dismal quality control (a human), to increase performance AND reduce destructive forces. To set a limit on crank length you must first find the usable range of motion the rider has. This is where most bike fitters fall short because they were taught that there is a range of angles instead of understanding the biomechanics. That’s because the hip isn’t a simple hinge. There is a socket known as the acetabulum which the head of the femur rotates in. This ball and socket does not have full range of motion, at the top of the range of motion the edges of the acetabulum will rotate the femur. This is called impingement - look up FAI… In walking around that impingement is rarely a problem because once your foot is off the ground it has freedom of movement. Not so when it’s attached to a pedal. The crank always travels in the same plane as the bike, it goes straight up and straight down. If the femur can’t track that, there is destructive force. That could be a rotation at the knee, it could be compensation at the hip at the expense of the SI joint, it could be sheer force applied to the labrum. There are ways of dealing with these forces. Lateral alignment and lateral float in the pedal system (Shimano SPD-SL yellow cleats) would be one thing to look at… My point in this rant is that a little information is usually dangerous. Every week there’s another KZbin video about shorter cranks, and somehow what’s good for riders became a democratic process. Bike fitting is NEVER about one variable. Why are there no videos about taking an honest assessment of the rider and finding the right length crank?

[@s1lent51]

I went from 170mm crank to 160mm crank. The overall pedaling experience is better but this didn’t solve my lower back pain on one side. I suggested to my bike fitter to go even shorter crank. He said this will result in too much distance from the handle bar.. what do you guys think?

[@spencerhackwell4299]

Might be worth seeing a physio

[@steveprice9737]

5'8" , proportional legs.. I ride 155mm on the hack bike years ago, 170mm on the race bike. Long ago.... the hack was more efficient, so my tt speed averaged out at 24mph ish but just riding around on the crappy old bike with shorter cranks I was averaging 20mph over the regular long 35 mile rides to see family . I logged rides and times but didn't really think about it, .. they were pretty horrible looking cranks so wouldn't have gone on the race bike anyway. Just found a pair of old Ultegra 165mm that'll go on the road tt bike. Currently running 170mm. The mtb now has 170 down from 175mm, took a ride to get used to it. Feels less powerful on steep climbs but might be in my head. Can stick a smaller granny ring on possibly, running 3x .. old bloke 😂

[@wesleygcoleman]

The only thing stopping me at this point is my power meter crank. As soon as it dies I’m shortening my cranks!

[@pierrex3226]

Pedal based power meter. Much more versatile. Especially when you have several bikes. I would try assioma ones, but my vector 2 single sided simply will not die.

[@JayLato]

160mm 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@colnagog6026]

I guess I can't follow this trend since getting on 165s 7 years ago, to get rid of the hitch at TDC of my pedal stroke.

[@bikeradar]

That's called trend setting

[@thebikethebody]

#earlyadopter

[@colnagog6026]

@@thebikethebody I used to teach a Reebok spin class in the late '90s. I couldn't understand why I was so much more fluid and efficient on the gym's stationary bikes (165mms) than my own 170mm bikes. Took another 15+ years to put it together and get the 165s on the road bikes. So actually, I was really late. ;-)

[@thebikethebody]

@@colnagog6026 haha, well good work for figuring it out yourself and reaping the rewards!

[@Ultra1997DM.]

@@colnagog6026noticed same thing on my wahoo bike to real bike

[@fredherzberger4677]

Crank length formula Inseam inches to crank length in mm Inseam x 5.48= crank length in millimeters Example 30x5.48=164.4mm For my 30" Inseam a 165mm crank was better.

[@czts4778]

How tall is the subject?

[@CreativeFishDesignsCharlotte]

just got a 165 for my knees

[@Geosbudy]

Sizing does matter, some pro trends are better left alone,

[@po311737]

Nowadays 165mm crank, 380mm handlebar are trend

[@pierrex3226]

I'm running 36 bars :)

[@iwantum]

165 cranks and 44 handlebars here

[@soapowejazz]

People should stop to do things because it's a "pro trend". Like tilting the hoods inward, riding 2cm narrow bars or slamming the stem down to the thru axle. You are not a pro, in case you didn't notice (at least most of us are not). People should do things that work for them. But to be fair, as far as 165mm cranks are concerned, they are indeed a good thing.

[@boriente]

With regard to riding their bikes, people should do what they want. If someone wants to try a tech trend from the pro-peleton, I say "go for it." Also, there are plenty of "non-pros" who compete. Performance increases are important to plenty of people out there.

[@travischapman6763]

Is it bc you’re slow? Jk, just trolling. But really, people should get to do all the things they want. Most especially “unsafe things” like turned in hoods and the super tuck. Legalize riding fast. It was a good idea to hold off prob tends back in the day, but actually data goes into pro peloton changes these days.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Few pro roadies are doing this anyway.

[@soapowejazz]

@@travischapman6763 you are right, I should reformulate my statement. People should be free to try whatever they want (I didn’t want to deny this of course) but in the end they should keep doing what works for them and not keep doing something just because pros are doing it.

[@luisoliveira3835]

Fiz os teste na prática fora do laboratório em diferentes terrenos com pedivelas 152mm, 160mm, 170mm, 175mm, 180mm resultados não conferem fora de laboratório. Existem outras variantes que devem ser levadas em consideração que não podem ser reproduzidas em laboratórios fechados e que afetam diretamente tais resultados. A biomecânica (entre outras áreas da ciência) podem esclarecer detalhes importantíssimos; mas sabemos que uma consultoria profissional ao nível elite não está ao alcance de todos e muitas vezes reservadas apenas para alguns atletas. Se o caminho do ouro fosse tão simples seria de uma maravilha.

[@stuartmisfeldt3068]

I noticed you didn’t change the seat height or position. Wouldn’t a 5 mm change illicit a change in seat height? His seat position changed because he could actually sit where he was supposed to in the first place.

[@bikeradar]

We changed both height and position

[@stuartmisfeldt3068]

@@bikeradar wasn’t well explained in the video as what you actually did then.

[@zazu9117]

Now I know that this is marketing disguised as something else. In couple of years they will advice you to return to 175 or even better to 177mm cranks. Psychologically you will feel your bike is better. In physical world, nothing will change. At the end, just imagine an industry that took 3 decades to shorten the cranks!

[@pierrex3226]

The number of comments that are either bitter or stupid is staggering.

[@bikeradar]

Do you want a job as our comments moderator?

[@pierrex3226]

Haha, I doubt that would help your channel, and that would certainly erode my faith in humanity which I'm trying to preserve :)

[@bubgar]

You say that the "law of the lever" is not applicable for bicycle cranks. Yet you go on an tell exactly what the law states.

[@markj.a351]

Went to 165 3-4 years ago after the shi* Reutul bike fit F'd up both my knees. Great for long rides in aero position.

[@russellinthebush2897]

Interesting but this seems like a fad. We'll see how it ends up. I raced for around 20 years. On road I use 170, track 165, and I never liked the 175 on the MTB. I never had a problem riding on the drops at high cadence. The most discomfort would be from trying to look up the road, not pedaling. On fixed gear winter training we'd sustain well over 130 rpm for extended periods of time. I'm not a large person, 168cm tall with a 67cm inseam.

[@Anak_loli_nih_boss]

160mm

[@paulmiddo8552]

Have 165mm on all my bikes. To me it’s easier to get on top of the gear

[@MrChristiangraham]

15 years time, 175mm cranks are the pro tech trend we need to follow.

[@911norman]

Same with every Other tech. Theres always a new trend people go to far with and years later everybody will go back a few steps.

[@dan_lazaro]

you're taller than me and have shorter cranks! I guess it really depends on the person. I went from 165mm to 170mm last year and haven't looked back since.

[@jomoonen59]

So in the past everyone was wrong?

[@benbwaite9858]

Hmm I'm 6ft2 with 91cm inseam, think ill just stick to 175mm

[@user-vm1gq5vg4q]

91cm x 0.2% = 18.2cm 17.5 / 91cm = 0.1923% Your crank is considered as short

[@joffly]

160mm and i'm 170cm

[@lestonycyclistone]

160mm or 155mm need look for China carbon crank.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Good luck and God Bless You with that Chinese carbon crank

[@myNamezMe]

Check Rotor.

[@lestonycyclistone]

So far using Xcadey no issue, stiff than shimano crank

[@kimwarner6050]

I have a elilee 155mm carbon crankset that I got off AliExpress

[@OTBTBDA]

I have been using 210mm cranks since 2009 and I love them!! 5ft 11in. Longer cranks do not decrease RPM. I have no problem maintaining 105RPM for +2hrs. Problem with cycling is the hyper focus on power where the focus should be equally on power and torque. So all of the world hour records broken using 190mm cranks would have been faster? Yet how long has it taken for those former records to be broken. Cycle a sport that can be so smart and dumb at the same time.

[@stevenjohnson3698]

If your initial position was set up by Brian, I won't be going to visit him.

[@bikeradar]

It wasn't. I put the bike together the day before and didn't take much care with the tape measure. Liam

[@onimurateru]

I have 2 bike one for 172.5 and one for 170.Don't feel different of change.So I think proper crank lenght is the best and 165 mm is another hype in cycling.

[@chrisko6439]

I hate short cranks. Bought a CX/gravel bike that came with 172.5mm cranks. I immediately changed the cranks to 175s after the first ride. Had to buy used cranks for a lot of money during covid period, but short cranks suck.

[@donjohnson487]

No, just No 😂🤦🏻‍♂️

[@SteveHofsaess]

5 mm is almost nothing .2 inches

[@Limoensap-hondje]

140's here, considering even 100's

[@goodeggnogg7038]

We all got to fork out for new cranks now!🙄

[@petersouthernboy6327]

I don’t like the tag line. As if a 6’2” man needs to go down 10mm

[@pierrex3226]

You may not be too good with trigonometry, but a hip angle is a hip angle. Crank lengths can matter a great deal for tuck positions.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

@@pierrex3226 I’ll leave the “tucking” to you 😂

[@ralfamann2849]

First! ❤

[@pierrex3226]

Bravo. Maybe the first time you're ever first at something.

[@methylmercury]

One of the most bullshit video of 2024

[@Livlifetaistdeth]

Shimano: Your check is in the mail SRAM: Your check is in the mail Campi: We don't need your fake trends

[@pierrex3226]

Lol. Sure, campagnolo is really a shining example of corporate success in recent years. Whatever they're doing has been working real good.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Barely any pro road cyclists are doing this

[@Ih8GoogleandApple]

Bike industry must be desperate to make money by selling cranks.

[@jeremynorth]

This is BS 5mm is nothing

[@KuriReevel]

Why try a "pro trend" if you are not a pro? Mamils must understand that between pro and a mamil is as big a difference as between earth and a sun.

[@yourdeadjack]

Go for a bike fit and try all crank lengths before you bash it. They all feel very different.

[@boriente]

There is a whole world of amateurs who compete and care about their performance. I may never pedal my way into the world tour, but I would still like to have every advantage I can when I'm competing.

[@travischapman6763]

Yeah! Why do things that can literally anyone faster or more comfortable when going fast isn’t their job!

[@daviddesimone6537]

You WILL lose power. Cadence argument not valid. "Ahh yes, I will simply replace my 170mm crank with 85mm and ride at a 160 cadence."

[@danieljdesimone]

ehh. have you tried 165's though?

[@user-vm1gq5vg4q]

So why not 190mm crank? More power output