Crank Length Explained in 3 minutes (should you change) | Custom Bike Fit

Crank Length Explained in 3 minutes (should you change?) with Custom Bike Fit


Source: Custom Bike Fit Youtube Channel: Crank Length Explained in 3 minutes (should you change?)

Video Crank Length Explained in 3 minutes (should you change?) with Custom Bike Fit

Video Crank Length Explained in 3 minutes (should you change?) with Custom Bike Fit YouTube Channel.

Crank Length Explained in 3 minutes (should you change?)

Custom Bike Fit: The Importance of Crank Length in Preventing Discomfort and Pain

When it comes to cycling, experiencing discomfort and pain in the knees or hips is a common issue that many riders face. Oftentimes, the root cause of these problems can be attributed to the length of the crank. In this video, Michael from Custom Bike Fit sheds light on the importance of crank length and its impact on a rider’s overall comfort and performance.

Understanding Crank Length and Its Role in Cycling

Crank length plays a pivotal role in both road and time trial positions. When a rider is in a time trial position, the length of the crank becomes particularly crucial as it directly affects the hip angle. If the crank is too long, it can lead to instability in the saddle, hinder the hip angle, and ultimately impede the rider’s performance. This can manifest in a range of issues such as ITB problems, knee pain, and back problems.

It’s essential to acknowledge that when purchasing a bike, the default crank length that comes with the frame may not necessarily be the most suitable for every rider. More often than not, bike shops may overlook the significance of crank length and fail to engage in a conversation about it with the customer. This oversight can lead to riders experiencing unnecessary discomfort and even injuries due to using cranks that are ill-fitted to their body measurements and riding style.

The Benefit of Professional Bike Fitting

Seeking a professional bike fit is a valuable step for any cyclist looking to optimize their cycling experience. Through a comprehensive bike fit process, experts can assess a rider’s biomechanics and make the necessary adjustments to ensure that the bike, including the crank length, is tailored to their individual needs. This includes examining the rider’s hip alignment and utilizing tools such as a retül move jig to make precise adjustments to the crank length.

The retül move jig allows for seamless modification of crank length, ranging from 155 millimeters to 185 millimeters, in 2.5 millimeter increments. This level of precision enables riders to find the optimal crank length that suits their unique physiology and riding style. For riders experiencing discomfort or instability while riding, a professional bike fit provides the opportunity to address these issues and make informed recommendations to enhance their overall cycling experience.

The Importance of Proper Crank Length for Individual Comfort

Finding the right crank length is more than just a matter of comfort—it directly impacts a rider’s performance and prevents potential injuries. By addressing discomfort in the hips, knees, and saddle instability, riders can focus on improving their performance and enjoying a more seamless and gratifying cycling experience. A proper crank length ensures that riders can maintain a balanced and efficient pedaling motion, enhancing their power output and efficiency on the bike.

The Invitation to Address Discomfort and Explore Custom Bike Fitting

For those experiencing discomfort or pain in the knees, hips, or saddle while cycling, reaching out to Custom Bike Fit can provide invaluable insights and solutions. Whether it’s feeling excessive pain during rides, experiencing instability in the saddle, or noticing a rocking motion while cycling, a professional bike fit can make a significant difference in addressing these issues.

Michael from Custom Bike Fit welcomes riders to connect and explore the option of a professional bike fitting session. By utilizing the retül move jig and leveraging his expertise, he can help riders ascertain the correct crank length for their individual needs. This personalized approach ensures that riders can ride confidently and comfortably, free from the limitations of ill-fitted crank lengths.

In conclusion, the importance of crank length in cycling cannot be overlooked. As a critical component of a rider’s biomechanics and comfort, the length of the crank directly influences their performance, comfort, and long-term well-being. Getting the right crank length through a professional bike fitting session empowers riders to maximize their potential, eliminate discomfort, and elevate their overall cycling experience.


The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel Custom Bike Fit and do not necessarily represent the views of CicloNews.