Does crank length affect cadence efficiency, and if so, why do so many cyclists and bike fitters seem to ignore this critical factor when setting up their bikes. It seems to me that the conventional wisdom on crank length is based more on tradition and guesswork than actual science. Were constantly told that crank length is a matter of personal preference, and that the optimal length is determined by a riders height and inseam. But is this really true.
If crank length does affect cadence efficiency, then it stands to reason that riders who are using cranks that are too long or too short for their physiology are going to be wasting energy and putting unnecessary stress on their joints. And yet, when you look at the data on crank length and cadence efficiency, its clear that theres a lot of variation out there. Some riders are able to maintain high cadences with long cranks, while others struggle to keep their cadence up even with shorter cranks.
So whats going on here. Is it really just a matter of personal preference, or are there other factors at play. Are riders who are using longer cranks sacrificing efficiency for the sake of more leverage, or are they somehow able to compensate for the longer crank length with more powerful legs. And what about the impact of crank length on joint stress and fatigue. We know that repetitive stress injuries are a major problem in cycling, but is crank length a contributing factor.
Id love to hear from some of the bike fitters and coaches out there on this topic. Whats your take on crank length and cadence efficiency. Do you think its a critical factor in setting up a bike, or is it just one of many variables that need to be considered. And what about the science on this topic. Are there any studies that have looked at the relationship between crank length and cadence efficiency, and if so, what did they find.