The Crank
The Crank.
A Forge 1860 Study on the Effects of Crank Length to Optimise Comfort, Efficiency, and Power for the Modern Rider.
Why This Matters
With 165 years of heritage, we're addressing a fundamental question in cycling to elevate every rider's experience. This research is driven by a commitment to performance, innovation, and evidence-based practice.
Optimise Rider Experience
Provide precise, data-driven bike fits that enhance comfort and reduce injury risk for a more enjoyable ride.
Enhance Performance
Unlock marginal gains for competitive cyclists by understanding the nuanced impact of crank length on power and efficiency.
Leverage Innovation
Blend our historic expertise with cutting-edge scientific inquiry, keeping Forge 1860 at the forefront of cycling tech.
Address Knowledge Gaps
Move beyond anecdotal advice by contributing valuable, empirical data to the wider cycling community.
What We Aim to Discover
Our study will test four key hypotheses to create a comprehensive understanding of how crank length impacts every aspect of your ride.
1. Optimal Comfort Zones
We will correlate crank length with rider-reported comfort to move beyond a "one-size-fits-all" approach.
2. Efficiency Gains
This research will measure metabolic cost to see if an ideal crank length can make your pedalling more efficient.
3. Maximised Power Output
By testing peak and sustained power, we'll find out if different crank lengths are better for sprinting or endurance.
4. Individual Variability
We aim to create a framework for personalised recommendations based on height, inseam, and riding style.
The Research Blueprint
A rigorous, multi-faceted methodology ensures our findings are robust, reliable, and directly applicable to real-world cyclists.
Participant Recruitment
Recruit a diverse cohort of cyclists, from novices to elites, across various disciplines.
Controlled Lab Testing
Utilise our advanced bike fit studio to measure biomechanics, power, and efficiency with multiple crank lengths.
Real-World Feedback
Participants will test their 'optimal' setup, providing qualitative feedback on long-term comfort and satisfaction.
Data Analysis
Employ statistical analysis to identify significant correlations and develop personalised recommendation models.
Reporting & Implementation
Integrate findings into our bike fitting protocols and share insights with the cycling community.