Help: Need Custom Crank Arm Length

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2008-06-06 4:01 PM

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Veteran
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1002525
Citrus Heights, CA (Sacramento)
Subject: Help: Need Custom Crank Arm Length

I just had a professional bike fitting and was identified as needing shorter crank arms. Specifically I nedd 160mm length crank arms. So my question is, where do I find or who makes custom length crank arms (or crank sets)? The shortest crank arm length I have been able to find 165mm on a Shimano crank set. Any suggestions or ideas of where to find or who makes shorter crank arms (or crank sets) is appreciated. Thanks

2008-06-06 4:21 PM
in reply to: #1450737

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Member
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Boise, ID
Subject: RE: Help: Need Custom Crank Arm Length

http://www.zinncycles.com/cranks.aspx

Try Zinn, he does custom length cranksets. 

 http://www.hscycle.com/Pages/customcrankset.html

Also, try these guys.  

 It looks like they only make them for square spindle type BB's so that would kind of suck if I had to replace my nice new integrated crank for an old school square.  

 

 

2008-06-06 5:40 PM
in reply to: #1450737

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Elite
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200050025
Armpit of Ontario
Subject: RE: Help: Need Custom Crank Arm Length

I'd go with a proven Shimano crankset in a 165mm (in 105, Ultegra or Dura Ace) because, really, the 5mm difference will not likely throw your position too far off; we're talkingless then a  1/4" here. 

 

2008-06-06 5:51 PM
in reply to: #1450737

Subject: RE: Help: Need Custom Crank Arm Length
I am intrigued... I'm 5 feet tall and proportionally shorter in the legs, and went with a shimano 165mm ultegra crank for my tri bike.  I wonder if I actually needed shorter cranks but just ended up with these because they were the smallest manufactured cranks?  Anyway, I'm happy with the 165mm, and even though the 5mm difference didn't seem like much, I did notice it.
2008-06-07 4:57 PM
in reply to: #1450737

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Veteran
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Citrus Heights, CA (Sacramento)
Subject: RE: Help: Need Custom Crank Arm Length

Remember that the 5mm (or 10mm depending on the comparison) difference occurs at the bottom and top of the pedal stroke. So for me, I'm going from a 170mm to 160mm which will give me 10mm more space at the top of my pedal stroke (i.e., less scrutching into my chest) and 10mm at the bottom (i.e., less stretching out my leg). The 5mm or 10mm difference affects the entire pedal stroke. After riding a while on the bike setup with 160mm versus the 170mm on my bike, there was a night-and-day difference. It is unfortunate my body composition won't work with the common 170mm, but over the "long haul" I think it will be worth every penny, for my comfort and body health.

Thanks for the links.

2008-06-09 11:32 AM
in reply to: #1450737

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Champion
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Subject: RE: Help: Need Custom Crank Arm Length
If you have a compact-double (110 BCD) and an 8 or 9-speed drivetrain with standard square-taper spindle, Bulletproof cranks (sold for BMX) are available in different crankarm lengths.  I got a set of 160's for my wife's bike for about $45.  It might work for 10-speed drivetrains, but the narrower chain might drop between the chainrings (might not). 


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