I ride most often at McIntosh run and I’m finding this year I’m experience a lot more pedal strikes (though never at any other local riding spot). I’ve never really considered crank length before, but I did measure and my cranks are 175mm. I’m 5’8" so I feel like I could size down to maybe 165. On the other hand new cranks can be pretty expensive, and would only give an extra 1cm of clearance. I’m not sure it’s worth it to switch. What do you guys think?
1 Like
What Bike are you on? Do you know your BB height?
2019 intense tracer (160/165 travel if that matters). I just measured, about 345mm BB height
Is that a mullet? VPP
If so that combo is most likely why you are smashing cranks.
Honestly, you most likely would highly benefit from some 165mm cranks.
I used to have a full 27.5 Carbine (The precursor to your frame) and it had a few geo options in the linkage but I recall it being bad at smashing into stuff. This was before smaller cranks became a thing.
1 Like
I’ve been on 165mm cranks for years now and even out of the gate I didn’t notice a difference when riding, but the lack of rock strikes compared to my previous bike with 175mm cranks was noticeable on the trail. The 165mm came on my bike as Transition started specing shorter cranks a number of years ago. I’m also 6ft 7in and have no issues with the 165mm cranks. The decrease in pedal strikes at McRun is worth it in my opinion.
2 Likes
Their definitely worth it on mix wheel bikes where the back wheel is smaller it creates less bottom bracket clearance.
Mine is actually full 27.5 as well
1 Like
If you’re just noticing it this year, maybe your tire pressure and/or suspension sag have changed. Or maybe all the recent marketing is working it’s subliminal magic. 
7 Likes
This is a really great point. Check your rear suspension (and front for that matter) before all else, just a few PSI can really mess with BB height. If that’s fine, then carry on and dive into 165’s!
1 Like
The ends of my cranks are always beat to snot with 170s. I’m thinking of going super short just to try it. Maybe 155, but I’ll probably chicken out and go 160.
2 Likes
I got into short cranks. Love them. 10mm might seem like a small amount on the measuring stick but can let you get away with pedalling over things that would catch your pedals typically. I’ll still pedal strike however if I’m not paying attention. Some days are worse than others too lol. What I like about short cranks the most is the comfort. At 6’ tall and mostly legs, you wouldent think it would make much of a difference and maybe it doesn’t.
My data from the trainer didn’t pick up on any difference but the leg muscles got targeted differently. Little more quad involvement according to the burn. It was a good experiment but pricy. I landed on 155 for my all mountain. Rode longer cranks on my rental in Moab last year and I was weary before riding but found no issue. Just a difference in feel. And maybe some extra rock strikes. Or just rider error 
3 Likes
I did recently have my suspension serviced and, if anything, the fork needs to loose a few psi.
Actually, I’m not quite as in shape as I’d like right now so I think it’s more that I’m not quite riding at my best. If I was I could pay more attention to pedalling in the right places.
2 Likes
Im on the short cranks team. Im 6’4" with a 36" inseam on XL bikes typically and I always swap out my cranks to 165mm. I find it easier on my hips/knees. I did try 155mm cranks before but they were too extreme.
2 Likes
I’ve got 165mm cranks on me eMTB, and 170 on everything else. My Torrent has a mullet set-up so I might put some 160mm cranks on it.
2 Likes
I just got my hands on some old school XTR m952 cranks in 165. Thinking of trying them on the Honzo but I’d need a special ring which is expensive
1 Like