Need some crank advise

Triathlon Forum
1

I’m finally going to invest in a power meter soon and I’ve decided to get the Quarq Elsa. I’ve noticed that they now offer it in 162.5mm crank lengths. I’m currently riding a 165 crankset and when I made the switch from 172.5 to 165, I noticed a big difference. A differenced that I liked, mostly for the fact that it opened up my hip angle. So should I go for the 162.5 and try to open it up a tad more? or stick with the 165? I’m not really looking for opinions so much as I am looking for knowledge based answers. I’ll post some of my details below to help anyone with the proper knowledge to answer…

Height: 5’9"
Inseam: 31" ~ 79cm

BMCTM01
Saddle Height: 726mm
Saddle Setback: 4mm
Eff. Seat Tube Angle: 80deg
Armpad drop: 117mm
Knee forward of foot: 95mm
Hip angle closed: 48deg
Back angle: 17deg
Knee angle flexion: 111deg
Knee angle extension: 43deg

I realize it’s a lot, but I’m trying NOT to make a $2000 mistake. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

2

Also, I am currently riding 54/42 Qrings. Would I need to switch to a smaller ring?

3

I’m finally going to invest in a power meter soon and I’ve decided to get the Quarq Elsa. I’ve noticed that they now offer it in 162.5mm crank lengths. I’m currently riding a 165 crankset and when I made the switch from 172.5 to 165, I noticed a big difference. A differenced that I liked, mostly for the fact that it opened up my hip angle. So should I go for the 162.5 and try to open it up a tad more? or stick with the 165? I’m not really looking for opinions so much as I am looking for knowledge based answers. I’ll post some of my details below to help anyone with the proper knowledge to answer…

Height: 5’9"
Inseam: 31" ~ 79cm

BMCTM01
Saddle Height: 726mm
Saddle Setback: 4mm
Eff. Seat Tube Angle: 80deg
Armpad drop: 117mm
Knee forward of foot: 95mm
Hip angle closed: 48deg
Back angle: 17deg
Knee angle flexion: 111deg
Knee angle extension: 43deg

I realize it’s a lot, but I’m trying NOT to make a $2000 mistake. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

The difference of 2.5 mm will be barely perceptible. If 165 is good, you should be pretty happy.

As for gearing, http://www.slowtwitch.com/Tech/Crank_Length_and_Gearing_4095.html you can do the calcs and decide what will work vs prior experience. G’luck -J

EDIT TO ADD: 165 is probably easier to sell down the road, if that factors into your decision at all. 162.5 is a pretty odd duck length.

4

Can’t offer an opinion on topic asked, but I believe you meant advice.

5

I’ll take advice. And my hope is that 162.5 won’t be an odd duck in the future.