Are shorter cranks worth the hype? What science says about power production, fit and comfort

Shorter crank lengths have become more common in road cycling, with examples including Tadej Pogačar switching to 165mm cranks in 2024 and Jonas Vingegaard spotted using 150mm cranks at various races in 2025. The article asks whether shorter cranks are actually better, noting there’s no single correct length for every rider. It explains the mechanics: crank length doesn’t change cadence directly, but it affects the speed of the foot by changing the distance traveled per pedal revolution. Shorter cranks can require more pedal force to produce the same torque at the spindle, potentially encouraging riders to spin faster. The piece also discusses how shorter cranks may change efficiency and rider psychology, including easier “spin up” for rapid accelerations.