Shorter Cranks

[streetStreet]

I've seen a couple bike checks where guys are using shorther cranks. In one check, Broc Raiford was running 165mm on a 21.25 frame. im curious why a big guy like that would ride such short cranks or what advantages there are...

[LeonLikesToRock]

I have pretty much always used 180mm but recently I'm going shorter because I feel like it is easier on my knees and I like the feel. I've heard some people say you get better pop with shorter cranks. If you jump on the spot then try to do the same thing with your feet 20mm further apart it makes a bit of sense. For taller guys running short cranks gives you more clearance from the back pegs.

[JFax]

When I started riding I only rode 180 mm as that was what I thought I "should" be riding being 6.3".
I later on went down to 175 mm for a long time until I started playing around with the street/flat hybrid-trend and got 160 mm.

I have been riding 160 for 5 years now and love it. It is harder to crank but your feet are closer together which I feel help when doing tricks and carving around pools and vert ramps.

[metalbmxer]

It's also more durable to run a shorter crank. Less force (leverage) to bend, snap, or twist your cranks and spindle

[Narcoleptic Insomniac]

When I ran 175s I would occasionally have my pedal strike the ground while back pedaling rolling out of a fakie. Hasn't happened since I switched to 165s. The shorter cranks just feel more comfortable in general too. The only downside is you get less leverage when pedaling hard to accelerate quickly on a tight run up but I guess you could compensate by running a 1 tooth smaller sprocket.

[Sasper]

shorter cranks = easier oppo spins , oppo tailwhips etc, if you ride 4 pegs it will give you better clearance on the rearfoot since it is closer to bb center, I want to try 165mm cranks , but when Thunderbolts first came out I got 175mm instead.

[Gnariman]

For taller guys running short cranks gives you more clearance from the back pegs.

I feel it's mostly this. It sucks if you loop out and have your heel catch the peg with the back foot. Imagine in an ice pick on a rail... Vince Carter dunks all day!