Things You Should Know If You Ride an MTB! Reasons to Choose Short Cranks for Your MTB

Recently, short cranks have become a hot topic in road biking. This is due to their ability to reduce stress on the knees and lower back, and their efficiency for high-cadence pedaling.

In fact, short cranks are standard in mountain biking. They excel in technical downhill sections and offer excellent maneuverability on climbs, helping riders conquer obstacle-ridden trails. Some riders even use ultra-short 135mm cranks.

This time, we'll explain why short cranks are recommended for MTBs, along with their pros and cons!

3 Benefits of Short Cranks

  • Improved pedal clearance: Easier to avoid obstacles, advantageous on technical trails.
  • Jumping stability: Smoother leg movement, better control in the air.
  • Easier to increase cadence: Enables smooth, high-speed pedaling.

Short cranks also contribute to improved pedaling efficiency and reduced strain on the knees and lower back, making them especially suitable for trail riding and jump-heavy riding styles.

1. What are Short Cranks?

While 170mm to 175mm cranks are standard on complete bikes, anything shorter is generally called a short crank. For MTBs, they are particularly valued for improving maneuverability during downhill and jump-heavy rides, and on obstacle-ridden trails.

2. Advantages of Short Cranks

(1) Improved Pedal Clearance

Shorter cranks make it less likely for pedals to hit the ground or obstacles, allowing for smoother riding in technical sections.

(2) Enhanced Jumping Stability

The narrower stance increases leg range of motion, improving bike control and stability during jumps.

(3) Easier to Increase Cadence

Shorter cranks allow for smoother pedaling rotation, efficiently maintaining speed.

(4) Less Slipping on Climbs

On steep, slippery climbs, putting too much weight into pedaling can cause slippage. By maintaining a high cadence with a light gear, you can climb steadily without losing traction.

3. Disadvantages of Short Cranks

(1) Reduced Torque

Shorter cranks offer less leverage, potentially reducing the torque per pedal stroke.

(2) Not Necessarily Faster

While they allow for high cadence, they don't always directly translate to increased speed or faster times, depending on gear ratio and rider style.

(3) Requires Getting Used To

If you're accustomed to longer cranks, switching to short cranks might feel unfamiliar at first. However, you'll get used to them after a few rides.

(4) Limited Options

There are still few models of short cranks available, and they can sometimes be more expensive.

4. Tips for Choosing Short Cranks

  1. Check your current crank length Some MTBs already come with 165mm cranks, so in those cases, there's no need to force a replacement.

  2. Aim for -10mm to feel a difference Choosing a crank 10mm shorter than your current one will make the change more noticeable.

  3. Shorter isn't always better Extremely short cranks might not suit everyone, so it's best to choose based on your riding style.

  4. Differences by bike type

    • Full suspension: The bottom bracket (BB) height changes due to rear suspension compression, so you can opt for a shorter crank length.
    • Hardtail: The BB height is constant, allowing you to choose based on pedal clearance and pedaling balance.

  5. Gear ratio adjustment To compensate for reduced torque, adjusting the number of teeth on your chainring or sprocket is recommended.

  6. Test ride to check the feel It's best to actually try out short cranks to see if they suit your style. Some bike shops have MTBs equipped with short cranks available for test rides.

5. Recommended Short Cranks

If you're trying short cranks for the first time, the FORMOSA MTB crank is highly recommended. It's affordable, making it easy to experiment with different sizes. Plus, it's available in a wide range from 155mm to 175mm, making it easy to find your perfect fit.

👉 FORMOSA MTB Crank

6. Conclusion

Short cranks offer advantages like improved pedal clearance, enhanced jumping stability, and higher cadence, making them particularly suitable for MTB riders who engage in technical riding.

Furthermore, cranks are like the "face" of a bicycle. Replacing them not only improves performance but also offers the joy of customizing and enhancing the bike's appearance.

However, due to changes in torque and the need for adaptation, it's crucial to adjust your gear ratio and test ride to make a choice that suits you. Don't force a replacement; carefully select while checking your current crank length.

If you want to "ride more smoothly!" or "reduce strain on your knees and back!", short cranks are definitely recommended. Give them a try!

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