[Closed] 170mm cranks

175mm ones are 5mm longer

Do a search on the whole 170 Vs 175 debate. It's been discussed a LOT of times.

Short answer is some people (me in particular) can tell the difference, some people can't. As to what length cranks you should be riding in the first place, that's a different matter. I tend to think that too many people are riding 175's anyway, when 170's (or possibly even shorter) would be better, just cos the manufacturers bulk buy them in that length.

i was just wondered about the power output really 5mm shouldnt make much difference

power output - no difference.

Lots of people [i]think[/i] they can tell the difference 😉

Went from 175mm to 170mm on my hardtail and instantly started going almost 3% faster.

I use 170mm but that said I am a short arse.

well, i have just fitted some to my 456, instead of the 175mm that used to be fitted. You have to run the seat a bit higher, and i reckon this makes as much or more difference to the bike than the cranks - higher CofG and so on.

The actual cranks do feel a tiny bit different, but i am not sure i would be able to notice, if i didnt already know, if you see what i mean!

cynic-al - Member

power output - no difference.

Lots of people think they can tell the difference

I'm willing to try a blind (not literally, obviously) test.
Bet you a ton my knackered knees and hips can tell which are which.

I'm with Rusty Spanner

Shorter cranks are your hurty knee's friend.

do they hurt your hips ?

What about lower back ?

I've got 170mm ones on my 29'er HT and 175mm ones on my 26'er FS and I'm buggered if I can tell the difference

I have 175 on my xc bike and 170 on my road bike. I can kinda tell but think its due to the riding position on the road bike. I dont notice any difference in efficiency though.

took the 180s off my road bike the other day and put some 172.5 on

my mtb has 165s on it (ss has 175)

I can't even tell what day it is 😯

I have the X0 170mm 2x10 from CRC. I also have 175mm SLX 2x10. The only difference I feel is less pedal strikes on the Heckler with 170 cranks, but then it has a higher bb anyway!

I suffer from lower back pain, and have no probs with 170 cranks. Look at 5mm on a ruler - it really is F@@k all!!