Cranks - Going from 180’s to 175’s

[jm714]

I’m 6’5” runnning 180 cranks with my saddle 87.5 cm from top of saddle to the center of the BB. I’m thinking of buying a new Campy groupset for my Pegoretti and I can only get their cranks in 175’s. I currently have a DA 9000 on it that I want to move to another bike with a 180 crankset. The Pegoretti originally came with a campy group and I want to go back.

So if I want to stay with 180’s I can cobble together a campy chorus 11 groupset and buy a set of Rotor 3D+ cranks on eBay or I can get a new DA 9100 groupset complete.

Or just make the switch to a new Chorus groupset with 175’s.

Who’s gone fro 180’s to 175’s and what if anything happened? Also will it be a problem if my other bikes are 180’s?

Don’t know if it matters, but I typically spin in the low 80’s on my current set-up.

[82Picchio]

I'm 6'1" with saddle height of 77cm and use 180s and 185s. Before you say those are too long for me, know I happily rode 190s for 10 years. I tried Chorus 12 175s and just couldn't get along with them. Bought a set of Record 11 in 180 and like them a lot.

[Ken Robb]

I had bikes with 170, 172.5 and 175 cranks. I'm 6'1 with saddle height 78cm. I could be comfy on all of these cranks. Then I bought a bike with 180 cranks. At first I loved how they let me muscle up hills in taller gears but after a few weeks I had twinges of discomfort under my patellas which I decided was caused by the increased flexion of my knees exacerbated by me mashing the pedals even more than I usually did. I got ride of the 180s and had no more knee problems.

For you going down in crank length I don't think you will have any problem and may even find increased comfort even if you have to climb in a slightly lower gear. You may also find it easier to spin higher cadences.

[tuscanyswe]

Are you getting the lastest new 12s campy group or an older 11s version but new?

There are usually new campy cranks for sale on ebay in 177.5 or 180 even if you can live with 11s groupset or even an 11speed crankset on your otherwise 12s groupset?

[jm714]

I see the Campy Record 11s 180 cranks on ebay, but they are 53/39’s and I kinda like the compact DA’s i have been running lately. I know I can get a cassette with a wider range, I guess it’s just a matter of choice.

I would prefer a complete groupset, that’s why I haven’t pulled the trigger on that Rotor crank that is on ebay, that and the seller wants over $500 for it when he is selling a 170 for $370. I offered him $370, but he said no.

[Spoker]

6'5" and used to ride 180's ; noticed I was smoother on 175's and now go down to 172.5's because they simply feel better.

[Fivethumbs]

I'm 6'3" I went from 175s to 180s and then back to 175s because I had a smoother pedal stroke with them.

[parallelfish]

6’2” here. Went from 175 to 177.5. Stayed there for many years. Always had issues with changes in pace on group rides. Bike just seemed slow to accelerate. A few years ago I went back to 175 cranks which resolved the issue for me. The bike is noticeably more responsive for me with the shorter cranks.

[rnhood]

At your height 180s make a lot more sense. In fact a 190 crank is likely more appropriate. If you primarily ride flat terrain you may get along with 175 but, on mixed terrain and mountains the longer arms will give your legs better leverage and fuller hip movement.

[Kirk007]

I use mostly 180s but have also switched back and forth without an issue. With a slower cadence I like the feel of the 180s for climbing. WI cranks come in 180 with whatever chainring combo you want and would look good on a Peg.

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

[alancw3]

6'4" and after many bikes with 175mm cranks I finally sprung for a 180mm crank. so disappointed and went back to the 175mm crank. for some reason the 175 crank just seemed more natural to my leg stroke than the 180.

[donevwil]

6' 5" w/ 84.2 saddle ht here.

I've run 180s since the late '80s and have the same issue, no OEMs other than Shimano offer 180s any more, let alone compact (White Industries and TA are the best aftermarket options, Rotor 180s are discontinued I believe hence the $$$). I run Campy 10 which fortunately is compatible with pretty much any crank in existence, I have SRAM Rival cranks on two bikes, WI Road on two and Campy 10 non-compact on one. In the near future I'll be swapping one of my Rivals to Shimano 9000 with Absolute Black 48-32 oval rings.

I've tried 175s and 177.5s, neither were a problem and the change would have made perfect sense if not for my having five bikes currently built and one in process that have 180s. My primary issue is the preference to have the same crank length on all my bikes that are in the rotation. Same as saddle height, setback these are all parameters I try to keep as identical as possible or my body will let me know. Not through pain, just lack of comfort and familiarity.

So in a nutshell I could easily go 175, but would have to do it across the board. Too expensive for me right now.

[jm714]

Thank you for all the comments, I think I’m going to try a full Campy group with 175’s and see how it goes.

[macaroon]

6'3" with an 835mm saddle height. I use 170mm cranks and they feel fine. I can't imagine you'd have any issues with 175mm, if anything, they'll be more comfortable. What's your inside leg measurement? 875mm saddle height is insane!