A Little Background
I’ve been riding bicycles for over 30 years and from day one, I’ve always been aboard 172.5mm cranks, with the odd excursion to 170mm cranks on a review bike from time to time.
The Ari Shafer 3.0 I posted a review of recently, arrived with a SRAM Force 165mm crankset in a 1x configuration and a 40T chainring. Over the space of several months, I’ve been swapping between the Ari Shafer 3.0 and its 165m cranks, and the 2025 / 2026 T-Lab X3 Titanium Gravel Bike with 172.5mm cranks.
In this video, JOM of Gravel Cyclist discusses the pro’s and cons of switching between 172.5mm cranks and 165mm cranks.
Shorter Cranks on a Gravel Bike Video
Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription
Additional Photos
Reminder
ALWAYS BE A STEWARD FOR GRAVEL CYCLING: Respect the roads, respect the locals, respect the land, respect your fellow cyclists.
Support Gravel Cyclist:
Buy Me a Coffee – https://www.buymeacoffee.com/gravelcyclist
OR
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/gravelcyclist
Links of Interest:
- Ari Shafer 3.0 Long-Term Review: Huge Tires, Fun & Capable = Winner
- T-Lab X3 could be the best Titanium Gravel Bike: Won’t destroy your Wallet
- Fit Chick – Selene Yeager
- North Florida Freeride Gravel Series
- How to Create Amazing & Fun Gravel Routes!
- Gravel Cyclist’s Route Library
- Gravel Bike Tire / Tyre Pressure Recommendations
Don’t forget to Like the Gravel Cyclist Facebook page, follow G.C. on Instagram, and subscribe to our Youtube Channel. We are also on Twitter!