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[Closed] why are track bike cranks shorter than road ?

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[#4853215]

Recent forays onto the track and wondering why the cranks are mainly 165mm vs. road at 172.5 or 175 ? Sore knee content and trying to get saddle height dialled in..


 
Posted : 09/02/2013 3:35 pm
 kilo
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So you don't get pedal strike on the banking, at Herne Hill you can run 170's as it's much shallower a banking


 
Posted : 09/02/2013 3:36 pm
 aP
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For higher cadence originally and certainly for modern tracks no pedal touching issues.


 
Posted : 09/02/2013 3:42 pm
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Easier to spin, less chance of the pedal striking the banking.

Having said that, I've used 175's occasionally on Manchester with no problems (although I think their "use of the track" rules state 165mm max).


 
Posted : 09/02/2013 3:45 pm
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Ah, that makes sense, never thought of that. I had set my BB to top of saddle length exactly same as on road bike which has 172.5 cranks. I guess I should raise it a little then on track...

Thanks


 
Posted : 09/02/2013 3:45 pm
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The centrifugal forces make you shorter.


 
Posted : 09/02/2013 8:58 pm
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I do wonder how it would feel to ride it clockwise..


 
Posted : 10/02/2013 12:32 am
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iainc, isn't that called jousting?


 
Posted : 10/02/2013 2:42 am