Crank Length and the Future of Cycling.

It is now assumed that the initial crank arm lengths established by bike companies years ago, were chosen without any reason.

Studies completed over the last 30 years have shown a reduction in crank length can reduce knee movement, hip vertical travel and ease stress on your lower body.

Component giant Shimano has been slow to change production on a once thought lever. Today, the crank is looked upon as a piston.

Aftermarket crank companies such as Cobb and Rotor have been able to help cyclists transition into an efficient and higher cadence position. Consider the longer crank associating a lane 8 on a running track while anything shorter gets you closer to lane 1. Pedaling an entire circle is less distance therefore increasing the speed you complete a full revolution. Increasing your cadence is a form of reducing stress on your lower body joints.

Additional benefits for those tested include little or no loss of power. Reducing weight in revolution with less material for faster acceleration and a stiffer crank decreasing flex.

Shimano does now offer a 160 mm crank option and you will likely see additional shorter lengths to follow in coming seasons.

This is Rob and I encourage you to get the “Wright Fit”