I've followed most of the long crank/short crank debate threads over the
past few years, as well as riding a 29/28-er with cranks lengths varying
from 110mm - 150mm.
I don't like to see the almost knee-jerk response of '125mm or shorter
for the big wheel unis'; there's lots of factors involved and, in some
cases, 150mm (or even longer) is entirely appropriate.
Admittedly, most who ride a lot seem to end up going for 125s or less,
however, I suspect that part of that is due to the amount of negativity
expressed here about long cranks for anything but muni.
I've noticed that many of the proponents of very short cranks tend to
have shorter legs, it makes sense to me that many with longer legs will
perhaps fare better with a longer crank.
The theoretical speed increase that comes with short cranks doesn't
always translate into a practical speed increase- if the loss of control
that accompanies shorter cranks results in either more UPDs, or, due to
fear of coming off, actually results in pedaling so much slower that the
average speed decreases.
Another factor, if you're riding on the road, you need to be very, very
solid and in control (out of respect for your own safety, and that of
other road users)- 150mm may give you an edge there.
Is the place you ride extremely hilly? If so, then riding downhill with
short cranks can damage your knees, riding uphill can be harder.
Do you ride regularly, or do you tend to have gaps of weeks between some
of your riding? IMO, for shorter cranks to be useful and safe,
consistent and regular riding is important.
I live in a very hilly place, I don't always ride that consistently, I
have longish legs; these, combined with practical experience (I found
125's to feel unsafe on the road and unpleasant on steep downhills- I
found 110's to be lethal) mean that I use 150's on my 29-er, and I'm
very happy with them, and I find I can go faster with them than with
125's.
I've seen Mike Fule ride down what seemed to me to be a totally
impractical hill on a 28" uni with short cranks, and I know that many
others prefer 110's on Cokers etc, but it's not for me.
And that's what I'm saying, different crank lengths suit different
people, and some do do better with a longer crank.
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I'll also mention here that what some others have said about paying a
bit more and getting a 29-er is worth considering.
I came to seriously dislike my 28" uni, but I love it with a fat tyre; I
just prefer being able to ride for the joy of it, rather than having to
consider every little bump on the road that will throw me off a 28", but
that the 29-er just rides over.
I think to enjoy a 28"-er you've got to be really into the skill of
being constantly alert and studying the terrain- which is a totally OK
thing to be into; but, if you're more into just riding fairly fast,
fairly long distance with minimal hassle and UPD risk, then the 29-er is
the machine to go for.
--
onewheeldave - Semi Skilled Unicyclist
"He's also been known to indulge in a spot of flame juggling - but it's
the Muni that really fires him up."
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