[Closed] One leg shorter than the other....Help needed with a bike build

Different length crank arms?

Has he tried a conventional bike yet? I'd start with that and use flat pedals and set the saddle height based on his short side. What sort of riding/mileage is he planning to do?

is the inequality above or below the knee or split between the two?

Have a shout out on here for bencooper [Kinetics], he'll probably see your post anyway
He does adjustable crank arms I believe, he'll certainly be able to help though

I'd say difference crank lengths too.

He could buy 2 sets of pedals too, one deeper than the other? And use one of each.

Wouldn't different crank lengths feel really odd? his legs would be going at different speeds.

My left leg is about an inch and a half shorter due to broken femur about 20 years ago. I have ridden for years without any problems. Did think about different length crank arms, but never felt the need. I would try with normal length cranks first.

Be really carefull with this. My right leg is about 7mm shorter than my left (thought to be femur but not 100%) and after years of cycling with a normal set up I was left with a a very unusual posture and some other issue with imbalance. After quite intensive periods of physio and a lot of stretching along with wedges between my cleat and shoe I'm back on track. All of that with just 7mm!! My advide would be to got and see some biomechanics experts before you do anything, I imagine your friend would know of the correct people from previous experience. From my very basic understanding a shorter crank can lead to other problems.

I am no expert, these comments are based on my experiences.

Good luck!!

Setting the saddle low isn't good - the longer leg won't be extending properly.

There's two ways to do it:

- a short crank (or a bolt-on shortener) - this means both legs reach full extension properly, and it's the cheapest and simplest option. Downside is the shorter crank also makes the pedal move in a smaller circle - depending on where the leg is shorter, this could mean the leg isn't maximising power.

- a built-up pedal. This is simply a block between the foot and the pedal. This has the advantage tht the pedal still moves in a full sized circle, downside is that it can only compensate for an inch or two, and again depending on where the leg is shorter it might not be so good to move in a big circle.

I'd generally say a short crank is the way to go...

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Thanks all.
Any other factors we should consider? Can I get differnet crank lengths individually or would I have to get him a pair in two sizes?
Richard

The eggrings bloke used to do this stuff.

http://www.highpath.net/index.html

See if crank shorteners might help.

I'm not sure Chris is making anything at the moment, for health reasons. St John St Cycles are good for odd length cranks...

thanks ben