Quais vantagens um pedivela de 165 mm oferece à Pogacar?

This year, UAE Team's Tadej Pogačar won the Tour de France using 165mm crank arms. Standing at 176cm, Pogačar switched from 170mm to 165mm cranks, and based on this year's achievements, his choice seems to have been the right one. Shorter cranks offer several advantages over longer ones, in multiple aspects.

1、Increased Cadence:

Shorter cranks allow for a higher cadence, meaning Pogačar can pedal more times within the same period. A higher cadence helps him maintain stable power output over extended periods, which is especially important in high-intensity, long-duration races such as the Tour de France.

2、Reduced Knee and Leg Pressure:

With a shorter crankset, the knee is bent less at the top of the pedal stroke, reducing strain on both the knee and the leg muscles. This helps Pogačar reduce fatigue during long races and lowers the risk of injury.

3、Optimised Aerodynamic Performance:

Shorter cranks allow the rider to maintain a more aggressive riding position, which helps reduce aerodynamic drag. In road races like the Tour de France, drag is one of the key factors affecting rider speed. By optimising his aerodynamic profile, Pogačar can enhance his riding efficiency.

4、Personal Fit and Comfort:

Pogačar uses professional services such as BikeFitting to determine the crank length that best suits him. Over time, as his body and riding needs change with training, adjustments to crank length may be necessary to adapt to those changes.

5、Improved Race Results:

Since switching to shorter cranks, Pogačar has won numerous championships, demonstrating that his choice was effective. In this year's Tour de France, his exceptional endurance and speed were, to some extent, aided by his use of shorter cranks.

6、Enhanced Competitiveness:

In cycling, even the smallest advantage can make a difference between winning and losing. By adjusting his crank length to optimise his riding position and efficiency, Pogačar has boosted his competitiveness.

Short cranks offer significant advantages in terms of increasing cadence and power output, improving comfort, reducing injury risk, optimising riding position and aerodynamic performance, and adapting to different riders and bike setups. However, it is important to note that these benefits are not absolute. Cyclists should consider their individual needs, riding habits, and bike configuration when selecting crank length.