Short Cranks. More and more riders are discovering the advantages of using shorter crank arms, especially on recumbents and triathlon bikes. However they have been stymied by the lack of reasonably priced, short cranks, capable of accepting small 3rd chainrings.

Shortened Cranks - 80 to 158mm. With Single, Double & Triple chainrings. Over the last 18 years I have helped about 2,000 people, with an amazing variety of bikes and reasons for needing short cranks. Whatever your problem, I've probably seen it before. If not, I love a new challenge. Crank Cotter Press $69

Short Cranks. More and more riders are discovering the advantages of using shorter crank arms, especially on recumbents and triathlon bikes. However they have been stymied by the lack of reasonably priced, short cranks, capable of accepting small 3rd chainrings.

However on one 165mm arm the opening was about 2.5mm wide, making the crank unsafe to ride. Based on this "Too small to be statistically valid" sample, I'll leave it up to you to decide if it's worth taking the chance.

Crank Length, Leg Length and Power The biggest misconception about short cranks is that you will lose power. But for smaller riders, it's long cranks that slow you down. A good rule of thumb for shorter, non-triathletes, with no knee, hip or other issues is 21.3-21.6% of inseam.

Most Range of Motion limitations can be addressed by simply going to Shorter Cranks. But when RoM is severely limited, sometimes combined with leg length differences, I make one crankarm very short and add a T-Cycle Pedal Swing. Scar Tissue

Parents usually ask for cranks that are much too long for their children. They worry about their kid outgrowing their cranks, when they shouldn't. For pre-teens I recommend 10% of the child's height. This does allow some growing room as adults …

If you have short legs, or are concerned that you will lose power with short cranks, please read Crank Length, Leg Length and Power and Short Rider Feedback. When emailing me, please include answers to any of the following questions which apply to your situation.

Inexpensive Road, Gravel or Touring Crank. 30/46 is more useful than 34/50 for 90% of riders. Bolt Circle Diameters (BCD) 80/110 Q-Factor - 147mm 30t Chainring is heat-treated 4130 Chrome-Moly Steel 46t Chainring is Ultra-Hard 7075 Alloy. FSA Recommends a 118mm BB spindle for a 44mm chainline.

When you put them on the same bike, with similar crank lengths, the only cadence where both riders are effective is a narrow range that includes the high end of the stokers useful RPM range and the low end of the captains.