Are you new to the biking world? Do you want to buy a Bike but are confused about it? Do you want to know what bike Crank Length would be perfect for you? If yes, then you are at the right place. In this article, we will tell you about bike crank length and bike crank sizes. 

We cannot deny the fact that bikes are back in trend. These days, most people prefer bikes for short travels, like going to their office, college, etc. After all, bikes are great. They are good for the environment, you save money on fuel and all the physical exercise keeps you fit. 

What is the Bike Crank Length? 

Cranks are one of the most important parts of a bike. It converts your pedaling into rotational motion which leads to the movement of the bike. Bike cranks come in different lengths and you can choose any of them depending on your height. 

Bike crank length is basically the distance between the center of the pedal axle and the center of the bottom bracket axle. The most common bike crank lengths are 170mm crankset, 172.5mm, and 175mm. 

If you get a bike with a bike crank length that is not perfect for you then it can lead to muscular pain, difficulty in breathing, or the rider’s knee hitting his chest or the handlebar. So, it is very important to get the best mountain bike with a perfect bike crank length. 

How To Measure Bike Crank Length?

Bike crank length is the distance between the center of the bottom bracket axle and the center of the pedal axle. If you want to know the crank arm length of your bike then you can check at the backside of your crank, they are mostly printed there. But if you cannot find it there then you will have to check the crank length with the help of a measuring tape. 

What is the Perfect Bike Crank Length For You?

First of all, let’s just accept the fact that even if you have the best road bikes in the world, if the bike crank length is not perfect for you, your bike ride would not be smooth. You will have to put more energy into the pedal crank. 

Most of the bikes come with 170mm, 172.5mm, and 175mm crank lengths. But some brands like SRAM, Shimano, and Campagnolo make the shortest 165mm cranks to 180mm cranks. The 165mm crankset is perfect for kids of 12-15 years.  

Though right now there is an ongoing fight between 165 vs 170 crank lengths, as people are finding shorter crank arms like cranksets 165mm to be more comfortable. Because of this, brands like Rotor have introduced cranks as short as 150mm. 

If you want to buy a bike with a perfect bike crank length for you then various size charts are available on the internet. Brands like Shimano have mountain bike size charts and charts for other kinds of bikes as well. You can find it on their website. With the help of these charts, you will be able to find a bike with the perfect crank for you. 

Are There Any Benefits of Short Crank Length?

Definitely, there are many benefits of short crank length. Many people might think that if you use long cranks then you will have to put in less energy on the Mtb bike pedals but it is not true. 

If you face problems like knee or back pain then a short crank length might actually be helpful for you. Because shorter crank length puts less strain on your hip flexors and knee joints. Short crank lengths are comparatively better if you have an average or below-average height, irrespective of your bike type. 

Are There Any Benefits of Long Crank Length?

Well, we cannot pinpoint several benefits of long cranks. Because, if the bike has a long crank then you will have to put more energy into pedaling. But if you are long then you should go for a bike with a long crank otherwise, your knees will touch your chest while pedaling. 

Though if you have a mountain bike then a long crank length can actually be better for you. It helps in generating more torque on technical terrains or lower cadences on steep. 

At Last

The most common bike crank lengths are 170mm, 172.5mm, and 175mm, but bikes with 165mm crank lengths are also getting famous these days. It is very important to have a bike with a crank length that is perfect for you otherwise you will suffer from back and knee pain. To choose a perfect crank length, you can take help from the size charts available online. 

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1- What are cranks on a bike?

Cranks are one of the most important parts of a bike. It converts your pedaling into rotational motion which leads to the movement of the bike. Bike cranks come in different lengths and you can choose any of them depending on your height. The most common bike crank lengths are 170mm, 172.5mm, and 175mm.

Q2- How to measure crank length?

Bicycle crank length is basically the distance between the bottom bracket axle center and the pedal axle center. You can find the crank length of your bike by looking on the backside of the crank.  Using a measuring tape will be necessary if you cannot find a crank length there. 

Q3- What size cranks do I need?

It totally depends on your height. If your height is above average then you will need a bike with a long crank length but if your height is average or above average then a bike with a 170mm-175mm crank would be perfect for you. 

If you want to buy a bike with a perfect bike crank length for you then various size charts are available on the internet. With the help of these charts, you will be able to find a bike with the perfect crank for you. 

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