DO the Cranks need to be so Short?

[RichieFromBoston]

Im totally new to the ebike scene again bought and have already r=drained the batteries down a 2021 bulls e stream evo AM4 yesterday, Are the cranks short for a design/egineering purpose or can longer cranks be installed? Sorry if it sounds stupid but I dont want to totally F up my bike quite yet. ty

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Are the cranks short for a design/egineering purpose or can longer cranks be installed?

One of the reasons cranks are "short" is to avoid hitting the ground with the pedal on cornering. Longer cranks can be installed if desired (and available). It is important to select the new cranks with the same mounting as in the existing ones.

 

[RichieFromBoston]

That makes sense I just noticed the "throw" or whatever its called is so much shorter than the Shimano SLXs on my mtn bike. Just ci=curious thank you

 

[stanmiller]

Shorter cranks are also gentler on one's knees as there is less knee travel. Especially for riders with shorter legs.

 

[theemartymac]

And while it may seem counterintuitive, it's actually been studied and determined that even for athletes and racers, shorter cranks are often better for quick peak power delivery. Short means fast, and cadence has more influence on power (in a usable way) than longer leverage. Unless you have very long legs, in which case the extra length may be necessary to find your power sweet spot.

 

[PedalUma]

Can you attach a photo? Many bikes use 170mm cranks. 175 is nice for me. 165mm are used for smaller and ladies bikes. Like the leverage when clipped in and climbing and just I corner with the outer pedal down.

 

[RichieFromBoston]

And while it may seem counterintuitive, it's actually been studied and determined that even for athletes and racers, shorter cranks are often better for quick peak power delivery. Short means fast, and cadence has more influence on power (in a usable way) than longer leverage. Unless you have very long legs, in which case the extra length may be necessary to find your power sweet spot.

Im Italian Im 5 10 230lbs and 53 so no long legs aint a thing. lol

 

[soyabean]

Not entirely sure what the OP is talking about, since the "E-STREAM EVO AM 4" has a FSA CK-745-IS crankset that is either 170 or 175mm, an industry standard, and not shorter?

I have a NCM Prague 29" and that's fitted with a Shimano Altus FC-M311 Crankset at 170mm.

 

[erider_61]

Longer cranks also pose a problem off road on trails. I struck my pedal on a tree root on my Bravo. This caused my pedal to be stripped off the aluminum crank arm. If it wasn't for the throttle, it would have been a long walk home...