[CR] Old Age vrs Crank Lengths

(Example: Framebuilders:Masi)

Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2010 05:04:34 -0700 (PDT)
From: "RICHARD HOWARD" <rehoward1@verizon.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR] Old Age vrs Crank Lengths


I am 65 years old and have been using 175 mm cranks since my first real bike in 1967. I have had a total knee replacement and lost enough range of motion in the affected knee that it impacts on my ability to ride smoothly. The problem is mostly at the 12 o'clock position of the affected crank arm. It is a struggle to power over the top. I am thinking about switching to 170 mm cranks or even 165mm. Considering the skeletal shrinkage that also automatically comes with old age, I am thinking that 165 may be optimal. Has anyone else had a problem similar to this? Did you create any new problems for yourself while solving the targeted problem?
                                                          Dick Howard
                                                          Roanoke, Virginia
                                                          USA