From a medical standpoint, crank length primarily impacts the hip and knee joints. At top dead center (TDC), the hip reaches maximum flexion, and we need to generate significant force. However, working hard at a joint's extreme range isn't ideal. Shorter cranks reduce hip strain at TDC, promoting better comfort and longevity.
From a performance perspective, shorter cranks engage the quads and glutes earlier and support a more aerodynamic position. The trade-off? Slightly reduced torque, requiring a higher cadence to maintain power.
Recently, more athletes have been diagnosed with Flow-Limited Iliac Artery (FLIA)—a condition restricting blood flow to the leg, causing sharp pain and power loss. Extreme aerodynamic positioning is a suspected contributor. High-profile cyclists like Joe Dombrowski, Fabio Aru, Annemiek Van Vleuten, and Carlotta Fondriest have all been affected.
Shorter cranks might not be a universal solution, but they can help reduce joint strain and potentially lower FLIA risk—something worth considering for both comfort and performance.

SHORTER CRANKS ARE BETTER❤️

After a great summer and long epic rides, this is the time to recover and preparing for next season.
Where to start improving performance? ​Let's have a look at our core strength and stability using the single leg bridge.
Follow the video below, get into activation mode and attempt to keep the position for 10 seconds. Try to keep your pelvis as stable as possible, don't make it drop or shift on one side and look for instabilities.
The single leg bridge is a simple and quick test to verify gluteal, abdominal and lower back muscle groups strength and asymmetries in bulk and motor/sensory control. 

Thanks to ​www.rehabmypatient.com