An 18 Cm Long Bicycle Crank Arm
If you're an avid cyclist, you know that the crank arm is a crucial part of your bike's drivetrain. It is the lever that connects the pedals to the chainring, allowing you to transfer your pedaling power to the wheels. The length of the crank arm can affect your pedaling efficiency, power output, and overall riding experience. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 18 cm long bicycle crank arm.
What is a Bicycle Crank Arm?
A bicycle crank arm is the part of the bike that connects the pedal to the bottom bracket spindle. The bottom bracket is the part of the bike frame that holds the spindle, which in turn holds the crank arms. The crank arm is the lever that converts the rotational motion of your pedaling into the linear motion of the chainring.
Crank arms come in different lengths, typically ranging from 165 mm to 180 mm. The length of the crank arm affects the angle of your knee when you pedal, which can affect your comfort and efficiency. Generally, shorter crank arms are recommended for riders with shorter legs, while longer crank arms are recommended for taller riders.
What are the Benefits of an 18 cm Long Bicycle Crank Arm?
The 18 cm long bicycle crank arm is on the longer end of the spectrum for crank arm lengths. This length can offer several benefits to riders, including:
- Increased power output: A longer crank arm can allow you to generate more power with each pedal stroke, as it provides a longer lever arm for your leg muscles to work with.
- Improved pedaling efficiency: A longer crank arm can also help you pedal more efficiently, as it allows you to maintain a more consistent cadence and reduces the amount of knee flexion required for each pedal stroke.
- Reduced joint stress: Because an 18 cm long crank arm reduces the amount of knee flexion required for each pedal stroke, it can also reduce the stress on your knees and other joints.
Of course, these benefits may not apply to all riders. It's important to choose a crank arm length that works best for your body and riding style. You may need to experiment with different lengths to find the right fit.
How Do You Install an 18 cm Long Bicycle Crank Arm?
If you're interested in upgrading to an 18 cm long bicycle crank arm, you'll need to know how to install it. Here are the basic steps:
- Remove the old crank arm: Use a crank puller tool to remove the old crank arm from the bottom bracket spindle.
- Install the new crank arm: Install the new crank arm onto the bottom bracket spindle, making sure it is properly tightened and aligned.
- Install the pedals: Install the pedals onto the new crank arm, making sure they are properly tightened and aligned.
- Test ride: Take your bike for a test ride to make sure everything is working properly and adjust as needed.
If you're not comfortable with bike maintenance, it's always a good idea to take your bike to a professional bike shop for installation.
Conclusion
The 18 cm long bicycle crank arm can offer several benefits to riders, including increased power output, improved pedaling efficiency, and reduced joint stress. However, it's important to choose a crank arm length that works best for your body and riding style. If you're interested in upgrading to an 18 cm long crank arm, make sure you know how to install it properly or take your bike to a professional bike shop.