RE: Please help=crank lenth question
> With longer crank arms it is much more difficult to maintain a smooth
> cadence. You waste more time and energy concentraiting on the whole
> motion of the legs. The trade off is in the leverage and control that
> are gained with longer cranks.
Dustin is right, but here’s some more:
When you switch to a new crank length, it may be a gradual process of
getting used to them. I’m still getting used to riding with the 170mm cranks
on my Steve Howard prototype. But I had a great time on my last ride on it,
in Santa Cruz (except for the Poison Oak, which I did get, even after a
Tecnu shower). I’m used to 150mm cranks on my MUni. But I have sprinted with
George Peck and been passed by Kris Holm, with my 150s, and been amazed at
how they beat me. You can develop a smooth pedal stroke with longer
cranks.
Presumably you switched to the Profile setup so you wouldn’t have to keep
replacing axles. Hopefully that’s the part of the tradeoff that makes it
worth it.
On pavement, I can see using 102(?)mm cranks. I can’t imagine them being
very useful on dirt, unless it’s smooth.
When it comes to high-speed riding, it does indeed take more skill than
strength when you reach the limits of your ability. When you’re pushing your
limits, you really need to know where they are so you don’t exceed them. You
always have to leave a little left over to catch yourself if you hit a bump,
or lean too far forward. More strength and training will allow you to
increase your general speed, but you will always have to have that safety
margin. With more speed skill, the tighter you can make that margin though.
Enjoy,
John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone
jfoss@unicycling.com
“Vehicularly-Injured Sperm-Count seat: better known by it’s abbreviated
name, Viscount.” David Stone, on saddle preference