A longer lever means more power, right? So why are more and more pros and amateur cyclists opting for short cranks on their drop-bar bikes? At first glance, it seems counterintuitive, but there are a few key reasons shorter cranks are gaining traction. We’ve looked into this latest trend to tell you if, and for whom, short cranks really make a difference.

Small differences, big impact – our test cranks range from 160 to 172.5 mm. (*banana for scale)

If you’ve been keeping up with the latest in cycling, you’ll notice a shift: what seemed unthinkable just a few years ago has become the norm, quickly gaining ground as the new standard. Wider tires, lower pressures, and tubeless rather than tubular – previously unimaginable in terms of performance. So why not run shorter cranks? Doing so could bring some intriguing benefits, especially in terms of aerodynamics and bike fitting. Even top pros like Tadej Pogačar, known for his meticulous setup and superhuman performance, are increasingly turning to short cranks and tailoring their bike geometry beyond the classic standard lengths of 170, 172.5, and 175 mm. No surprise, then, that short cranks are a hot topic right now.

So, what exactly are the benefits of shorter cranks, who can gain from them, and how can you make the switch? We took a deep dive into the topic to answer these questions, testing five of the most interesting crank lengths between 165 and 172.5 mm as part of a long-term review. And this time, it’s personal, as I typically ride standard 172.5 mm cranks on my 56 cm bike, with a fairly high training volume. The big question: can shorter cranks really improve my performance? Here’s a hint – after this test, I’ll definitely be riding with different cranks.

It’s not just a topic reserved for the pros – amateurs should also give some thought to crank length.

Short cranks for better aerodynamics – A true game-changer?

Aerodynamics play a crucial role in cycling, if not the defining one. Races keep getting faster, making speed and efficiency through reduced drag more important than ever. As a result, bikes and components are increasingly optimised for aero gains. There’s no doubt this approach works, but the majority of wind resistance still comes from the rider, which is governed predominantly by the riding position.

This is where shorter cranks come into play. Shorter cranks open up the hip angle, enabling a more aerodynamic position. It sounds intricate and technical, but in reality, it’s quite straightforward and easy to grasp.

With shorter cranks, the leg doesn’t travel as far up or down while pedalling. This keeps the hip angle open, reducing extreme joint angles, and allowing for a lower, more aerodynamic upper body position without sacrificing power output. This benefit has long been appreciated by triathletes and time trialists who thrive on an ultra-aerodynamic position. Now, more and more road cyclists and gravel riders looking to maximise efficiency and maintain high average speeds are catching on.

These benefits don’t just impact podium places in ever-faster races; they can also make the difference between hitting a mental wall or enjoying a smooth training ride – even in windy Southern Sweden, the home turf and test ground of our reviewer, Calvin.

SRAM provided the ideal crank lengths for our test, including two team-issue cranks complete with pro decals!

Can shorter cranks offer the perfect fit for a non-standard body?

The search for the most efficient setup is now well established among amateurs, too, but one thing is often overlooked: we all have different body proportions. Some riders have long legs and short torsos, or vice versa. So why are there only three standard crank lengths for all body types and sizes? Many bike brands offer a wide range of frame sizes, yet when it comes to saddle options, handlebar widths, and especially cranks, the choices are often extremely limited. Crank length options typically stick to the standard 170, 172.5, and 175 mm – which are minimal differences, especially given that many manufacturers offer cranks in lengths ranging from 160 to 180 mm.

Hip angle??? – With longer cranks, your knee gets uncomfortably close to your torso.

Shorter cranks can help you dial in the riding position even better, taking bike fitting to the next level. They reduce the range of knee movement, making the motion less extreme and allowing for a higher cadence with lower peak loads. This translates to less joint stress and potentially greater comfort.

Especially for those who train heavily, shorter cranks can provide long-term benefits by reducing strain on the knees and hips.

Crank length: A small step for the bike, a giant leap for bike fit

Adjusting crank length might sound like just a few millimetres’ difference, but in bike fitting, even small adjustments can have a big impact. Anyone who’s ridden with a slipping seatpost knows just how much even the tiniest shift can affect your ride. Switching to shorter cranks means having to make a few fitting adjustments:

  • Saddle height: Shorter cranks mean the rider doesn’t need to extend as far downward with each pedal stroke. The saddle height should typically be raised by the same amount as the crank length reduction. So, if you’re moving from 172.5 mm cranks to 167.5 mm, raise the saddle by about 5 mm to maintain the same saddle height.
  • Saddle offset: Increasing the saddle height also affects the horizontal distance to the handlebars due to the altered seat angle. A minor forward adjustment of the saddle can help maintain the original fit and feel.
  • Handlebar height: Raising the saddle height may call for a matching adjustment to the handlebar height if you want to preserve the current fit. However, if you’re aiming for aero gains, it’s worth leaving the handlebar height as is, since a greater saddle-to-bar drop can create a more aerodynamic riding position.
Exactly! When it comes to bike fitting, it’s always worth double-checking those measurements.
Shorter cranks = raise the saddle? Counterintuitive, but true.
The cockpit also gets adjusted to keep your position consistent.

Our test with crank lengths of 160 mm, 165 mm, 167.5 mm, 170 mm, and 172.5 mm showed that even small adjustments can noticeably impact rider position and comfort, and the aero benefits are clear as well. However, since even the slightest changes can significantly affect fit, we recommend consulting a bike fitting studio. This doesn’t just provide added confidence with expert guidance, but also saves money by allowing you to try out different crank lengths, and help avoid costly mistakes.

Short cranks on test: Small changes, big impact

As part of our extensive tests, we tried various crank lengths on varying terrain, playing with fit adjustments that would have even the fastest pros’ heads spinning from all the changes. From steep mountain climbs to fast, flat routes, each crank length provided a unique experience. But what’s the goal behind finding a better fit? For our tester, Calvin, who’s been logging 25–30 hours per week on the bike (particularly during Covid lockdowns), his training intensity sometimes causes knee and lower back pain. Not surprising given the volume – but let’s see what shorter cranks can do.

Eager to dive in, Calvin went straight for Pogačar’s favourite crank length – 165 mm. A big change! Switching from 172.5 mm to shorter cranks like 165 mm or 167.5 mm results in a noticeably higher cadence and a “smoother” pedal stroke. In contrast, the 160 mm cranks felt almost awkward, like taking tiny steps on your tiptoes – there is such a thing as too short! Ultimately, for Calvin, who stands 185 cm tall with an 86.5 cm inseam, the 167.5 mm cranks offered the ideal pedalling rhythm.

Not quite Tadej Pogačar, but at least the bike is just as fast.

Switching to shorter cranks allowed a more aggressive riding position without closing the hip angle too much, maintaining a strong power output. While we couldn’t measure aerodynamics in a wind tunnel, we did notice a more comfortable and aerodynamic posture with a greater saddle-to-bar drop—all without any loss of power or extreme hip angles. With 160 mm cranks, Calvin’s cadence topped 100 rpm, while with the 165 mm models, he averaged around 95 rpm or slightly higher. For Calvin, 167.5 mm turned out to be the perfect length, delivering a natural feel across countless test rides, a slightly more aerodynamic position, and less joint strain with an average cadence just below 95 rpm. And sure enough, his previous issues disappeared, though his training volume wasn’t quite back to its peak. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers offer this in-between size, but for now, the test cranks are staying on his road bike. And he’ll be making the switch on his gravel bike as well.

On a bike as fast as the BMC Teammachine R, fine-tuning crank length is key to squeezing out those last marginal gains.

Do shorter cranks really make sense?

Yes, shorter cranks aren’t just another trend like oval chainrings; they can genuinely enhance the riding experience. Primarily, they’re a solution for specific issues, with added benefits for those chasing every last bit of efficiency. That said, if you’re happy with your current position and speed, shorter cranks might do more harm than good.

Spoilt for choice – Cranks and crank lengths come in all varieties, but which one is right for you?

Investing in shorter cranks can be costly, especially if you’re unsure of the ideal length. That’s why we recommend testing different lengths first before committing. If you’d rather skip the trial and error, consider a professional bike fitting to pinpoint the optimal crank length right from the start. In general, a professional fitting is the best way to quickly and confidently achieve the ideal position on the bike. On our quest for the perfect fit, we took a closer look at the leading names in the bike fitting scene and put them to the test ourselves—you can read all about it here.

The fact is, shorter cranks can be a valuable adjustment for certain riders. For pros looking to optimise their performance, switching to shorter cranks is already becoming the norm. However, they can also be beneficial for keen amateurs and recreational cyclists, offering a way to increase comfort and reduce the risk of injury.

The future of crank lengths – A push for greater customisation

The discussion around crank lengths highlights the potential for greater customisation. Instead of the standard 2.5 mm increments offered on complete bikes, we could see 5 mm steps that better accommodate rider differences – giving you a choice of 165, 170, and 175 mm rather than the traditional 170, 172.5, and 175 mm. In an ideal world, we could choose our crank length like we do the frame size when buying a bike, but for now, that’s wishful thinking, much like the idea of a fully customisable cockpit.

Conclusion

In the end, the question remains: is switching to shorter cranks the right choice for everyone? The truth is, this trend has real potential – whether for pros chasing marginal gains or recreational riders seeking greater comfort and efficiency. A professional bike fitting is highly recommended, nonetheless, not just to find the best fit and ideal crank length, but also to realise the dream of bike and rider harmony – without breaking the bank.


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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Jan Richter, Martin Staffa, Robin Schmitt