Adjustable length crankarms

Triathlon Forum
1

I’ve been on the search for adjustable length cranks since developing IT band/hip flexor/back issues from last year’s riding. I am getting professionally fit on a 2009 P3 this year at my local LBS, but they haven’t worked much with different lengths of cranks. I’ve compiled a short list of adjustable cranks that I have found instead of dropping upwards of $500 on carbon cranks for experimentation. I would really appreciate if anyone else has had any luck to chime in! Ideally I would like adjustable carbon cranks mainly for cosmetic reasons, but would definitely consider steel or aluminum if there was a weight benefit (again only ideally since this will be my dream bike ;). FSA only makes a compatible 165mm carbon crankset in a triple which will work but is $520.

Joe

Adjustable carbon cranks - inexpensive for carbon, but not sure of quality
http://home.intekom.com/murraytourdeforce/cranks.htm

PowerCranks - heavy and expensive, but potential for performance benefit
http://www.powercranks.com/products/powercranks.htm

Stronglight - not an option, want to move down to 160mm, but an ingenious design
http://www.stronglight.com/stronglight/page.php?nom=produit&keyProd=fission

Racermate - not an option either, want to move down to 160mm
http://www.racermateinc.com/varicrank.asp

High Seirra - not carbon, unsure of fit or weight at this point
http://www.hscycle.com/Pages/adjustablecrankset.html

2

why do you want adjustables to play with?

they are expensive and heavy. I have a set for my srm and I do use them, but see last sentence.

if you want to experiment, try these:

http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/cranks/110-compact-double.html#square

For $40 you can get the 140mm versions…

g

3

Thanks for the response gregclimbs,

I am trying to open up my hip angle. I have raised the front, brought the seat forward and up, and now want to play with shorter cranks to determine the most aero/powerful position without causing the hip flexor/IT band from causing pain and improve breathing. This is mostly experimental. Now these changes are minor and the bike fits perfect, but I think there is more to be had from a comfort standpoint than simply raising the front end sacrificing aerodynamics.

The only 130mm BCD compatible cranks come in 160mm and are $80, but might be a good starting point.
http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/cranks/130-double.html

I just realized that FSA claims that the megaEXO BB is not compatible with non-FSA cranks though.

Thanks again,
Joe