165mm Cranks: Speed Hack or Overhyped Tweaks

You’ve heard the buzz. Short cranks—165mm—are supposedly the secret sauce to turning a good bike ride into a spiritual awakening.

But hold your horses.

Are they really worth the hype, or is this just another overblown tweak from the cycling world’s “expert” echo chamber?

Let’s break it down.

1. What’s the Deal with Shorter Cranks?

Crank length is the overlooked, underappreciated component on a bike.

165mm cranks are just a few millimeters shorter than the standard 172.5mm, but the difference feels massive… Or does it?

Some folks claim they can spin faster, climb smoother, or maybe they just feel like the bike fits them better.

It’s like trying on new shoes that might look the same, but fit a lot differently.

2. The Smaller Circle

Ever tried to pedal a circular motion and felt like your legs were fighting the pedals?

That’s what a longer crank can do to you. For some, going down to 165mm feels like they’ve finally unlocked a smoother, more fluid pedal stroke.

You might even call it comfort. Pedal circles get tighter, and some riders swear that their knees don’t smack their chest anymore.

But let’s not get carried away. There are as many skeptics as there are enthusiasts. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. The smoothness might be nothing more than a placebo effect.

3. Knee Pain Be Gone?

Knee pain. Ah, the cycling curse. Many swear by shorter cranks because they reduce strain on the knees. It’s like taking off a tight pair of jeans after a long day—suddenly, everything feels right.

Short cranks can alleviate that grind, especially for riders with longer torsos or those who’ve battled knee injuries.

But, don’t go thinking shorter cranks will save you if your saddle height is wrong or your form is bad. If your posture’s a mess, 165mm cranks won’t work miracles.

Knee pain is complicated; cranks are just one part of the equation.

4. Cadence Control

Switching to a smaller crank isn’t a magical fix for all your cycling woes.

A reduction in crank length means you’re exerting less torque, which sounds like a disaster if you’re trying to crush climbs.

You’ll have to spin faster to maintain the same wattage.

So, be prepared for higher cadence and a steeper learning curve. It’s not for the faint-hearted. But for those who like to spin, it’s a thing of beauty.

5. Tight Corners, Less Pedal Strike

Shorter cranks don’t just help with your legs—they help with clearance. For those weaving through tight corners or bombing down trails, smaller cranks give you the room to maneuver without worrying about pedal strikes.

Think of it as your bike’s way of avoiding embarrassing face-plants when you clip a curb at full speed.

Not everyone rides in technical terrains, though. If you’re more of a steady-pedal road warrior, this advantage might not be a game-changer.

6. Weight Loss (Sort Of)

Want lighter cranks? Who doesn’t. Switching from 172.5mm to 165mm could shave off a few grams from your bike.

Not a huge amount, but every gram counts, right? Especially for those racing against the clock, every ounce less is another chance at glory.

But for casual riders? Don’t expect any “aha!” moments here. That lighter crankset isn’t going to save your soul—or your race.

7. The Size Issue: Short Legs vs. Long Legs

Not all bodies are created equal. Taller riders with long limbs might struggle to find the sweet spot with shorter cranks.

But for the shorter folks—especially those with stubby legs—the 165mm cranks can be a revelation.

It’s like the bike was made for you. As long as you’re not cramming yourself into a bike frame that’s too big for your body, the shorter cranks will likely be a better fit.

For some, it’s a match made in cycling heaven.

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Summary Table

Factor	165mm Cranks	172.5mm Cranks
Pedal Stroke Smoothness	Tighter, more fluid	Can feel choppy for some
Knee Pain	Reduces strain for some	No significant change
Cadence	Higher cadence required	More torque per stroke
Pedal Clearance	Better for tight corners	Greater chance of pedal strikes
Weight	Lighter by ~150g	Heavier
Ideal Rider Fit	Shorter riders benefit	Suitable for most riders
Terrain Type	Good for climbs and technical terrain	Versatile, but less agile

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The Bottom Line

Here’s the ugly truth about shorter cranks: they’re a matter of preference. The change isn’t some magical fix for everyone.

Some will swear by them, and others will laugh and keep cranking along with the same old setup.

If you’ve got the legs, the frame, and the mind to experiment—go for it. But if you’re just chasing the trend without a real need, you might find yourself disappointed.

I mean, let’s be real. Cycling is about enjoying the ride, not obsessing over the tweaks. Shorter cranks, longer cranks, who gives a damn? Just ride.