Shorter cranks for increasing Zone 2 power-to-weight ratio

[Cam75]

Shorter cranks for increasing Zone 2 power-to-weight ratio, is this where the real gains are made for mountain bikers or is it just another fad. Do riders who swear by shorter cranks actually see a significant increase in their overall power output, or is it just a placebo effect. I mean, lets be real, if road cyclists cant even handle a little bit of dirt and technical sections, do their opinions on crank length even matter.

Can a rider who is used to running longer cranks, say 175mm, actually adapt to the shorter crank length without losing any of their top-end power. Or are they just going to be spinning out of control on the downhills, completely unable to generate any real speed or power. And what about the whole technique is more important argument, do riders who are used to relying on their technique to get them up steep climbs actually see a benefit from shorter cranks, or are they just making excuses for not being able to keep up.

And lets not forget about the whole power-to-weight ratio aspect of this, do shorter cranks actually make a difference in this regard, or is it just a myth perpetuated by companies trying to sell more gear. Can a rider who is already relatively light and powerful actually see a significant increase in their power-to-weight ratio by switching to shorter cranks, or are they just going to be wasting their time and money.

Im curious to hear from riders who have actually made the switch to shorter cranks and see if theyve noticed any real benefits on the trail. Was it a game-changer for them, or were they just chasing a trend. And to all the road cyclists out there who think they can just jump on the mountain bike bandwagon and start spewing their opinions, lets be real, you have no idea what youre talking about.

 

[mgw189]

While I appreciate your curiosity about the potential benefits of shorter cranks for mountain bikers, I must challenge some of the assumptions and opinions presented in your post.

First, let's address the notion that road cyclists' opinions on crank length don't matter for mountain biking. While it's true that mountain biking involves more technical terrain and requires different skills, the principles of power output and biomechanics apply to both disciplines. Disregarding input from road cyclists may limit your understanding of the topic.

As for the placebo effect, it's crucial to base conclusions on empirical evidence rather than personal anecdotes. There have been studies suggesting that shorter cranks can lead to increased power output and reduced strain on the knees, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Lastly, the question of adaptability to shorter cranks is valid. While some riders may struggle initially, with proper adjustments and training, it's possible to adapt to the new crank length without significant loss of power or efficiency.

In conclusion, while shorter cranks might be a viable option for some mountain bikers, it's essential to approach the topic with an open mind, consider various perspectives, and rely on credible evidence. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to cycling equipment, and what works for one rider may not work for another. Happy trails! ‍

 

[John Minnesota]

Shorter cranks may not be a one-size-fits-all solution. While they might help some riders in certain situations, they could potentially limit top-end power for others, especially those accustomed to longer cranks. Additionally, technique plays a crucial role in mountain biking, and shorter cranks may not necessarily translate to significant gains in power-to-weight ratio. Instead, focusing on overall strength, skill development, and equipment that fits your unique style might be more beneficial.

 

[BattaglinGuy]

Sure, let's address the elephant in the room. Shorter cranks vs longer cranks, that is the question. But let's not forget, it's not just about the length, is it? It's about the rider and their unique style. I mean, if you're a roadie trying to muscle your way up a mountain bike trail, of course, you're gonna struggle. And maybe shorter cranks will help, but maybe you just need to learn how to ride a mountain bike properly.

But let's talk about the power-to-weight ratio for a sec. Does anyone really believe that shaving a few millimeters off your cranks is gonna make a significant difference? It's like trying to juice a turnip and expecting to get orange juice. Sure, it might work in theory, but in practice, it's just not gonna cut it.

And what about the adaptation period? Can a rider who's used to longer cranks really make the switch without losing some of their top-end power? It's like learning to ride a bike all over again. And who has time for that?

So, to all the mountain bikers out there, I say this: don't get caught up in the hype. Focus on your technique, your fitness, and your bike handling skills. And if you still think shorter cranks are the answer, then go for it. Just don't expect it to be a game-changer.

 

[orionradio]

Sure, let's address the elephant in the room - road cyclists' opinions on mountain biking barely matter. But shorter cranks? Now that's a topic worth discussing! Adapting to them might be challenging, but once you get the hang of it, you'll find that you're not spinning out of control on downhills anymore.

As for the power-to-weight ratio, don't believe the hype. Shorter cranks might make a tiny difference in this regard, but they certainly won't turn you into a mountain biking beast overnight. So, if you're already light and powerful, save your money and invest in something that'll actually improve your performance. ‍

 

[Halfnote]

Sure, let's address the elephant in the room - road cyclists' opinions on mountain biking, specifically crank length, are about as useful as a waterproof toaster. But, onto the real topic at hand: shorter cranks. It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, and riders used to 175mm cranks might find the transition challenging. Spinning out of control on downhills? Possible, but with proper adjustments, it's manageable.

As for the power-to-weight ratio, shorter cranks might offer some benefits, but it's not a magic bullet. If you're already light and powerful, the gains might be minimal. And let's not forget, technique is still crucial. Shorter cranks might help if you're relying on them as a crutch, not a solution.

So, before you jump on the bandwagon (yes, I'm looking at you, road cyclists), consider the potential benefits and downsides. Don't just follow the trend - make an informed decision. And for the love of all things cycling, let's leave the crank length debate to the mountain bikers, shall we? ‍