The crank is a double 172.5mm, which replaced my old triple 175mm. It seems a lot of people are shortening their cranks to get more power... which I don't quite get logically. A longer lever can apply more torque. But I figured I couldn't let this sweet crank go unused so I might as well give it a shot! I have been wanting to ditch the triple for a double anyway... not much in the way of hills here in this part of Texas, and it is just more weight for the triple. Since I am using the bar end shifters, they work for either as the left shifter is friction only.
Here's what it looks like all finished.
The crank does spin VERY smoothly! I noticed that immediately on the stand once I had it installed. The Shimano Ultegra bearings seem to spin about one revolution when I spin them. The Chris King on Donna's old bike spins only about 1/2 turn. This thing will go about two turns! I could notice how smooth and easy it spins even riding it.
I got to test the new setup on a ride with BAM! on Monday morning. We got one of the BAM teenagers to come babysit Cassie, so Donna and I both could ride. The plan was to ride out to Twin Lakes Scuba Park ~21 miles from home, swim, and ride back. I skipped the swim part, as I have not been swimming in a long time. I was continually bringing up the rear on the ride, but it was a great training ride for me. Donna and her coach Chris stayed back to keep an eye on me, everyone else disappeared. Ah well, that is the longest ride I have done in several years, and I still managed almost 17 mph average. Not complaining! It reminds me why I usually ride alone though. :)
Here's the workout data from Garmin Connect.
Darren
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