Do shorter cranks really reduce tension in the shoulders and neck, or is this just another myth perpetuated by the roadie crowd trying to justify their fancy, über-expensive bikes. Ive heard some guys swear by shorter cranks, saying it helps them maintain a more neutral spine and reduces the strain on their upper body. But is this really the case, or are they just trying to compensate for poor bike fit or riding technique.
Ive been riding with a standard crank length for years, and Ive never really had any issues with shoulder or neck tension. But Ive also been paying attention to my body positioning and making sure my bike is set up to fit me properly. So, is the benefit of shorter cranks really worth the cost and hassle of swapping out my cranks, or am I just fine sticking with what Ive got.
And what about the impact on power output and pedaling efficiency. Ive heard some guys say that shorter cranks can actually increase power output and reduce fatigue, but others claim its a myth with no scientific basis. Can anyone shed some light on this, or is it just a bunch of anecdotal nonsense.
Im not looking for opinions or personal anecdotes, I want to know if theres any real science behind the benefits of shorter cranks. So, lets get into it and discuss the merits of shorter cranks and whether theyre really worth the hype.