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Cranks & Gearing

What gears do pros use?

Lance Armstrong and other pros go so fast! What gears are they pushing?

What Does Gearing Terminology Mean?

Lots of new riders are confused about gear designations. It's pretty simple, though. RBR explains.

How Do I Use All Those Gears?

 I'm 65 and just purchased a "comfort" bike. I last rode 50 years ago. It's incredible how bikes have changed. I have no idea how to operate the thing! Shifting is a mystery. Coach Fred Matheny offers up his advice.

Why Not a Triple?

 I've read that pro racers can put out 500 watts for extended periods. Even though I'm 5-foot-10 and 158 pounds just like Lance, I probably generate half that wattage, at best. So, I put a triple crankset on my bike.   Why don't more people use a triple? 

Companion eBooks & eArticles

By John Marsh
$4.99

By Frank Berto
$4.99

Rotational pedaling force (torque) essential for stronger cycling

By Coach Arnie Baker, M.D.
$4.99

Available to Our Premium Members

SRAMs "Tour de Force" 10-Speed Group

SRAM's 10-speed groupSRAM's 10-speed group, dubbed "Force," features lots of carbon and is a competitor to Shimano Dura-Ace and Campagnolo Record.

Should I Get Double or Triple Chainrings

I want to buy a high-end road bike but don't know whether to get a double- or triple-chainring crankset. I plan to ride across the U.S. this summer, so which crank is recommended?

What Gear Ratio Should My Fixed-Gear Bike Have

I've set up a fixed-gear bike with a 48-tooth chainring and 16-tooth cog. This gear seems too big. What ratio would you recommend, and what cadence should I maintain?

Do Rotor Cranks Work

Want to try the new Rotor cranks?  Apparently, they help eliminate the "dead spot" at the top of the pedal stroke.  Read our opinion and Product Review.

Should I Ditch My BioPace Chainrings

My bike has old Shimano BioPace chainrings. Low gear is 42x24-tooth. My buddies with triples are killing me on climbs! Should I ditch the BioPace and install 53/39-tooth rings?  

I'm Tall, So Should I Use Longer Crankarms

Crankarm length is one of the most confusing issues in cycling.  Read what RBR says about the science behind determinning optimum crankarm length.

Do Long Crankarms Help Time Trialing

So will using 170-mm crankarms for time trialing better produce a better TT performance?

Are Shorter Crankarms Better

I'm a 6-foot-tall big-gear masher with a 34-inch inseam. I use 175-mm crankarms. But I wonder if shorter would be better. Here's my theory: Because the hub travels slower (a shorter distance) than the tire (which goes a longer distance) it seems logical to go to a shorter crank. Higher gear, slower cadence = shorter cranks. Coach Fred Matheny explains.

Can Alternating Crankarm Length Cause Sore Legs

Is it correct to have longer MTB cranks than road cranks?  Can the switching between bikes and crank length difference cause leg pain?

Can Changing Crankarm Length Cause Knee Trouble

I'm 5-foot-4 and like to push a big gear.  I've switched from a 170mm crank to a 165mm crank, now I'm experiencing knee pain.  Could the change is crank length be the cause?

Aren't Triple Cranksets for Rich Weenies

My bike is geared for flatland riding.  Is it really a necessity to have a triple crankset for better climbing performance?

How Can I Get Better Climbing Gears

Having problems on climbs with a triple crankset and a 12-23 cassette?  If you're wondering if you should  keep the triple and change to a cassette with easier gearing or just buy a double crankset and put a really low gear on the back, RBR has some suggestions.

What Gearing Should I Install for Hills

Gearing is a highly individual thing. Some riders prefer higher cadences, some lower. You need to experiment to find the best climbing approach for you.  Here's what Coach Fred Matheny recommends.