Mountain Bike Crank Length

Xc possible sizing needed depending on ride lengths but 175 s are what is recommended for more leverage.

Mountain bike crank length. You can buy longer mountain bike crank arms as they go up to 180mm. It seems obvious that crank length should be proportional so long legged cyclists should have long cranks short legged cyclists should have short. As with all bikes the optimal crank length also depends on body proportions. With few exceptions most xc and trail oriented mountain bikes shipped today come with 175mm cranks.

Go into any mountain bike shop and chances are every bike in there will come with 175mm or 170mm crank arms with 175mm usually found on m xl sizes and 170mm found on xs s. However the evidence leans towards mountain bike crank lengths being too long in general. Short arms are good for pedaling up hill while longer ones are better for downhill. The one on their bike.

Some bike fitters will have an adjustable crank so the pedal can be moved to simulate crank lengths from 155 185mm. In our specific case the test has proven 160 mm cranks to be the optimal e mountainbike solution. Still delivering a very natural pedalling feeling on flat sections they only require a little more power or a higher cadence on climbs while offering an obvious advantage in terms of safety on technical uphills. However smaller frames and ladies bikes are generally 165mm.

The bigger bicycle part manufacturers typically provide crank lengths for mature riders from 165 mm to 180 mm extended in 2 5 millimeter increments with 170 millimeter cranks being the most frequent size. Chainring choices aside road bikes have long come with 172 5mm crankarms regardless of frame size while. Bicycle cranks may vary in length to accommodate different sized riders along with unique kinds of biking. You can try this during a bike fitting.

For years most cyclists assumed that crankarms came in one size. Crank length should be inseam measurement 0 216 or inseam measurement in inches x 5 48 yields crank length in millimeters same thing. Sizes go up by 5mm. While some brands spec 170mm cranks it is often only on their smallest sizes.

The standard mountain bike crank arm length is 175mm. Trail enduro 170mm crank arm length is the most commonly used size and is recommended to keep a good leverage ratio and have a bit more ground clearance due to having more travel. A good bike fitter will help you find the best crank arm length for you.