145mm crankset & Q-factor

Apr 11, 23 2:50

Post #1 of 24 (3324 views)

Hi everyone!

Does anybody have an idea which brand makes 145mm cranks with the lowest Q-factor?

Upon searching the internet, I found these:

BBK 145mm - 152mm
Croder Spirit 145mm - 156mm
Appleman 2XR 145mm - 150mm
Jcob Short Cranks 145mm - 145mm

These figures will most likely change a bit depending on the bottom bracket.

I'm asking because I need a total stance width of around 244mm. This is based on the the Purely Custom adjustable cranks (approx. Q-factor of 136mm) and Favero Assioma (54mm per side).

I'm currently using the BBK 145mm (Q-factor 152mm) and Favero Assioma (54mm), which would have a total stance width of 260mm.

I'm thinking of getting the Jcob Short Cranks 145mm (Q-factor 145mm), and use pre-Wahoo Speedplay pedals (50mm) which would yield a total stance width of 245mm. The only thing for me to get power output would be to use a Spider-based PM. This option is quite sound but the cost is quite steep for me.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Thank you!

Saul Anthony I. Sibayan
Master of Sports Science - US Sports Academy
Exercise Physiology - Univ. of Alabama
EXOS Performance Specialist
F.I.S.T. Certified

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [saulsibayan] [ In reply to ]

Apr 11, 23 3:58

Post #2 of 24 (3311 views)

I can't help you on the cranks, but if you have trouble finding 50mm SP Zeros, Keywin makes axles for their Carbon pedals down to 49mm.

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [saulsibayan] [ In reply to ]

Kevin@VisionUSA

Apr 11, 23 11:50

Post #3 of 24 (3224 views)

Hello,

FSA makes the alloy Powerbox crank in a 145mm length and it has a 148mm Q factor. We have it in a very limited qty. so it is not listed as a size option on our website but it provides the details of the spider and gearing available.

https://shop.fullspeedahead.com/...s/fsa-powerbox-alloy

Let me know if you have any questions.

Kevin

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [saulsibayan] [ In reply to ]

Apr 11, 23 15:01

Post #4 of 24 (3183 views)

I run the the old Campy Record track (square taper) cranks, but they only go down to 150. You can get the q-factor down to 128 or so with them. They are extremely hard to find.

If you want to look real crazy, you could try these

https://www.ebay.com/itm/275605503218

Chainrings might be a challenge.

My latest book: "Out of the Melting Pot, Into the Fire" is on sale on Amazon and at other online and local booksellers

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [Kevin@VisionUSA] [ In reply to ]

Apr 16, 23 3:57

Post #5 of 24 (3085 views)

Kevin@VisionUSA wrote:

Hello,

FSA makes the alloy Powerbox crank in a 145mm length and it has a 148mm Q factor. We have it in a very limited qty. so it is not listed as a size option on our website but it provides the details of the spider and gearing available.

https://shop.fullspeedahead.com/...s/fsa-powerbox-alloy

Let me know if you have any questions.

Kevin

Thanks for sharing this. I didn't know that FSA makes 145mm cranksets with a powerbox PM. Unfortunately, it will be more costly for me to go this route as I'll also need to change my BB to 386EVO.

Saul Anthony I. Sibayan
Master of Sports Science - US Sports Academy
Exercise Physiology - Univ. of Alabama
EXOS Performance Specialist
F.I.S.T. Certified

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [saulsibayan] [ In reply to ]

May 22, 23 10:03

Post #6 of 24 (2966 views)

Maybe you’ve already made a purchase, but I just came across this post as I was digging into a similar question about Q factor and very short cranks.

Mark at Bike Smith sells SRAM Apex cranks shortened to any length (min 137.5mm). This crank has 145mm Q factor. I have one cut to 150mm and I really like it. I believe it is considerably cheaper than a Cobb crank. Both are good options though!

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [Rob84] [ In reply to ]

May 23, 23 2:42

Post #7 of 24 (2882 views)

Hi Rob! Thanks for your response. I currently use this as well, although I can only use a pedal or rear hub power meter. Not sure if there a chainring based power meter for 5-bolt 110 BCD?

Rob84 wrote:

Maybe you’ve already made a purchase, but I just came across this post as I was digging into a similar question about Q factor and very short cranks.

Mark at Bike Smith sells SRAM Apex cranks shortened to any length (min 137.5mm). This crank has 145mm Q factor. I have one cut to 150mm and I really like it. I believe it is considerably cheaper than a Cobb crank. Both are good options though!

Saul Anthony I. Sibayan
Master of Sports Science - US Sports Academy
Exercise Physiology - Univ. of Alabama
EXOS Performance Specialist
F.I.S.T. Certified

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [saulsibayan] [ In reply to ]

May 23, 23 4:36

Post #8 of 24 (2865 views)

On reflection I see my reply was not directly helpful to your problem :-)

I use Garmin Vector 3 pedals and I don’t have experience searching for a 110 BCD crank meter, it doesn’t look easy to find if there’s one out there.

What about 4iii? My understanding is they take your existing crank arms and attach power meters, maybe that’s a way to make one of these these work.

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [saulsibayan] [ In reply to ]

Dec 7, 23 6:20

Post #9 of 24 (2411 views)

Hi Saul,
I am currently in similar situation (I will make a new posting later) and wonder what you settled with?

Cheers!

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [kaze] [ In reply to ]

Dec 8, 23 23:04

Post #10 of 24 (2306 views)

Hi Kaze,

I emailed Mark Stonich of BikeSmith Design & Fabrication in Minneapolis, MN.

Here's an excerpt from our email thread.

Cranks have to be shortened by at least 21.5mm, to leave enough metal between the new hole and the new end of the crank. The longest I can make 175s is 153.5mm. (180mm Apex were discontinued several years ago, )

I went with one 145mm and one 153.5mm cranks. So far, I feel that the 145mm is faster for the flats, while I can push a higher wattage at a lower HR zone with 153.5mm.

Saul Anthony I. Sibayan
Master of Sports Science - US Sports Academy
Exercise Physiology - Univ. of Alabama
EXOS Performance Specialist
F.I.S.T. Certified

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [jens] [ In reply to ]

Dec 9, 23 7:00

Post #11 of 24 (2271 views)

How are you getting the q down to 128? I have a set of record track cranks but the Q is listed at 131. They use a 111 BB so I guess I could go to a 107 but that would require so spacing of the chainring to get the chain line correct..

Heath Dotson
HD Coaching:Website |Twitter: 140 Characters or Less|Facebook:Follow us on Facebook

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [Ex-cyclist] [ In reply to ]

Dec 9, 23 7:57

Post #12 of 24 (2260 views)

Ex-cyclist wrote:

How are you getting the q down to 128? I have a set of record track cranks but the Q is listed at 131. They use a 111 BB so I guess I could go to a 107 but that would require so spacing of the chainring to get the chain line correct..

I use the narrower BB. The chainline comes out ok with a couple of BB spacers.

My latest book: "Out of the Melting Pot, Into the Fire" is on sale on Amazon and at other online and local booksellers

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [jens] [ In reply to ]

Dec 9, 23 8:02

Post #13 of 24 (2256 views)

That just shifts everything to the drive side though right. So now you’re a little lopsided. I guess I could go 1mm behind the bb and 1mm behind the rings.. chaiinline is a bit more critical for track

Heath Dotson
HD Coaching:Website |Twitter: 140 Characters or Less|Facebook:Follow us on Facebook

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [Ex-cyclist] [ In reply to ]

Dec 9, 23 8:05

Post #14 of 24 (2255 views)

Ex-cyclist wrote:

That just shifts everything to the drive side though right. So now you’re a little lopsided. I guess I could go 1mm behind the bb and 1mm behind the rings.. chaiinline is a bit more critical for track

Well I have a leg length discrepancy anyhow so it all works out! ;-) Actually, I don't notice the lopsideness at all.

My latest book: "Out of the Melting Pot, Into the Fire" is on sale on Amazon and at other online and local booksellers

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [jens] [ In reply to ]

Dec 9, 23 8:10

Post #15 of 24 (2252 views)

jens wrote:

Ex-cyclist wrote:

That just shifts everything to the drive side though right. So now you’re a little lopsided. I guess I could go 1mm behind the bb and 1mm behind the rings.. chaiinline is a bit more critical for track

Well I have a leg length discrepancy anyhow so it all works out! ;-) Actually, I don't notice the lopsideness at all.

If you have a link to an ISO taper 107 that would be great. All I’m finding is 102 and 111. 102 would be way too narrow to work.

Heath Dotson
HD Coaching:Website |Twitter: 140 Characters or Less|Facebook:Follow us on Facebook

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [Ex-cyclist] [ In reply to ]

Dec 9, 23 22:49

Post #16 of 24 (2141 views)

Ex-cyclist wrote:

That just shifts everything to the drive side though right. So now you’re a little lopsided.

Most cyclists don't really notice offset cranks.

Back when 3-piece cranks (i.e. square-taper) were the norm, it was common for crankset/chainring clearance to be handled by using similar-shaped crankarms on both side, but mounting the DS farther outboard. With cartridge bottom brackets this can be done by putting a spacer behind the drive-side flange of the cartridge; on adjustable bottom brackets where the spindles could be swapped out, this was often handled by using an asymmetric spindle with a longer DS, like this:

It wasn't rare for asymmetries to get up into the 1cm range, even on mass-production bikes.

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [HTupolev] [ In reply to ]

Dec 10, 23 4:57

Post #17 of 24 (2107 views)

That makes perfect sense

I have DA-7410 cranks for the narrowness

I don’t notice the offset. But in the trainer I can see when I look down and wondered why I was to one side if the top tube

Now I know. Thanks!

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [Ex-cyclist] [ In reply to ]

Dec 11, 23 23:05

Post #18 of 24 (1967 views)

I used an extender plate to make my stance narrow by 10mm - https://www.form-bikefitting.com/...plate-xpu-3-hole-kit

The problem is that the medial side of the shoe hits the crankarms - so I placed a 2mm washer to move the pedals outward and make just a tight spacing that makes it possible for me to pedal without the shoe hitting the crankarms - https://www.form-bikefitting.com/...pedal-spacer-2mm-kit

pic1 - without 10mm extender plate and 2mm spacer

pic 2- with a 10mm extender plate and 2mm spacer = 8mm narrower stance

Saul Anthony I. Sibayan
Master of Sports Science - US Sports Academy
Exercise Physiology - Univ. of Alabama
EXOS Performance Specialist
F.I.S.T. Certified

Last edited by: saulsibayan: Dec 11, 23 23:07

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [saulsibayan] [ In reply to ]

Dec 12, 23 6:22

Post #19 of 24 (1934 views)

Saul,

With the plates, is it 10mm inward adjustment on each side or is the 10mm total reduction from both plates.

BoulderCyclingCoach.com

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [saulsibayan] [ In reply to ]

Feb 6, 24 7:17

Post #20 of 24 (1328 views)

Hi Saul,

My apologies about the late response! I went to my parents home for Christmas and then this thread completely slipped my mind. I just remembered as I am on the chase for 145 or 150mm cranks (again/still).

Regarding the 145mm crank, are you using the BKK model, or did you opt for the Jcob ones?

Meanwhile, I went ahead and ordered the Croder cranks. Things did not go as planned, though. That is the reason I am back in the crank shopping game.

Currently, I'm hoping to find a more robust (road) version of the Wattshop Cratus Aero Crank, ideally with a non-carbon chainring. Do you think it's possible to find a modern chainring suitable for road bikes that fits a 144bcd, in case I decide to take a DIY approach? Most of my races this year will be on flat to rolling courses.

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [kaze] [ In reply to ]

Feb 6, 24 7:47

Post #21 of 24 (1316 views)

Yes, there is for example Pyramid in the UK making 144bcd aluminium narrow wide chainrings, which you can also purchase from Wattshop. Or Kappstein in Germany making 144bcd aluminium chainrings with long tooth for road chaines.

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [BergHugi] [ In reply to ]

Feb 6, 24 8:30

Post #22 of 24 (1297 views)

Wow, thanks for that! Suddenly the Wattshop solution became a whole lot more realistic!

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [kaze] [ In reply to ]

Feb 6, 24 23:09

Post #23 of 24 (1190 views)

Hi Kaze,

Apologies for the late reply. I ordered 5-arm 110BCD GXP 145mm and 153.5mm cranks from Mark Stonich. You can email him at shortbikecranks@gmail.com.

Below are his details:

Mark Stonich 612-824-2372 (home)
BikeSmith Design & Fabrication 612-710-9593 (work & cell)
5349 Elliot Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55417 USA
http://bikesmithdesign.com

I am very pleased with his work.

The cranks plus the extender (I made it reverse to make it narrower) plate has solved the Q-factor that I need.

Saul Anthony I. Sibayan
Master of Sports Science - US Sports Academy
Exercise Physiology - Univ. of Alabama
EXOS Performance Specialist
F.I.S.T. Certified

Re: 145mm crankset & Q-factor [saulsibayan] [ In reply to ]

Feb 7, 24 1:43

Post #24 of 24 (1157 views)

Thank you Saul,
I appreciate you taking the time to respond and share the details. Sounds like you have solved your issue. Cool stuff!

Mark does not seem to be offering Shimano stuff as his "standard" program, but given he says he is up for challenges, maybe there is a chance. Perhaps he is up for a project once he recovered from the surgery he announced on the website. ;)

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