Crank Length?

[The Rose]

OK, I'm in the process of ordering a 29" Single speed. I would like to know what length crank arm other 29'er riders are using. I'm leaning toward 180mm but I'm new to both 29" and SS so I'm unsure of the correct path to take. Thanks. By the way, I stand a massive five foot eight, with an inseam of 32.

[tryandgetme]

I read a great article once (too bad I cant find it) that concluded by a series of tests, that crank length is something that each individual rider has to try out for themselves. There wasnt any conclusive evidence that longer cranks on a single speed gave you better times in races for example.

I dont have a 29", but I run 175mm cranks, just because they feel right. I dont get the right amount of leg extension with 165's, and I have yet to try anything bigger. My brother is perfectly comfortable on 165 - 170's though. I think its totally rider preference. Ride on a singlespeed what you have on your other bikes.

[DirtRagArt]

I think that the "crankarm length is proportionate to your leg length" theory is out the window when it comes to singlespeeds, in favor of the "longer cranks give better leverage" theory. I replaced the 170mm with 175mm crankarms on my singlespeed, and I'm definitely no worse for wear. At 5'2", mind you, I should be running 165m or 170mm (and supposedly even shorter on a road bike).

Being that the 29" wheel makes for a higher gearing, it would stand to reason that 180mm crankarms would be the clear choice. However, I know for a fact that a renowned 29" guru advocates using the shortest crankarm length available, regardless of the rider's size.

[wooglin-at-home]

I'm in the personal preference column. I run 175s on my 26ers (geared and ss) and 170s on the road. I thought about running 180s on the 29er-to-be, but decided that since I'll be running the same gear/inches (going from 32x18 on the 26 to 32x20 on the 29) then the same cranks would make sense. If I can't get on top of the gear then I'll worry about whether to get longer cranks or gear down.

[The Rose]

why does he say use the shorties Jeff?

[DirtRagArt]

why does he say use the shorties Jeff?

Because he's nuts. No, actually, I can't remember the details. It would be best if you heard it from Willets (or read it if he had a functioning website) but then again, if it was that important or mind boggling, I would think I would have paid more attention. Karl did a good interview with him a while back (http://www.dirtragmag.com/articles/article.php?ID=46&category=features) but he didn't mention crankarm length.

[The Rose]

well , I guess I'm gonna go with the 180's, I had already filled out the crank length section of the order form so there is no going back now. I guess I could call him to change it if I had a mind to but I think I call the shop too much as it is.