Extremely short cranks for recreational riders?

[zmalwo]

So I'm a 5'9 guy who typically use 170mm cranks but using 172.5 on my current bike due to laziness of selling the current crankset that came with the group and buy another one. In terms of flexibility I'm pretty average, able to touch my toes with my finger tip. However, I always feel my hip flexors are pinched when my foot is at the 12' position. I've read online that a shorter crank will reduce your knee angle and hip angle, just wondering if I should try something extreme like a 150mm crank? The only road crankset I can find in that size is the Rotor Aldhu which costs $500 for a crankset. Just want to know the advantage and disadvantages before dropping half a grand on something I'm not sure of. by the way I do not race, just a recreational rider who goes on a ride every weekend or so.

[ultraman6970]

THeres bmx cranksets 145 mm... 130 bcd I believe... you can build a 1x11 with that imo.

[jojobos]

Origin 8 150mm crankset is widely available around $50 bucks or so. cheap way to try it out.

[Louis]

The OP may be interested in this. Over ten years ago I requested that folks on the forum provide their PBH and the length of the cranks they usually use.

The results are shown in the image below:

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=7675

https://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=4132&stc=1&d=1113161116

[dookie]

Some of the kid specialists have 130-150mm at more reasonable prices. Trailcraft, Spawn, Flow.

[cnighbor1]

cranks shortens
I have a set of phil wood cranks shortens that allow for tandems pedals to moved back on cranks arms
I can lend too you to to try alternate pedal locations and see if it helps

[Gartenmeister]

Have you had a bike fit?

I work for a shop where the owner/fitter is a big proponent of shorter cranks for certain (usually shorter) riders. We've used Cobb a bit:

https://speedandcomfort.com/products/alloy-short-cranks