Help in selecting the Right PowerCranks
PowerCranks offer many alternatives and options! How can you know you are getting the right set for you?
There are several decisions you need to make to get the PowerCranks for you.
Decision 1. What kind of bottom bracket do I have or do I want to use?
Decision 2. Do I want or need the Dual mode (locking) option?
Decision 3. Do I want the entry, basic, X-lite, or "special" model?
Decision 4. Do I want the iCranks?
Decision 5. Some models allow for a choice of annodizing color.
We will take these in order.
What kind of bottom bracket do I have or need?
There are many different ways people attach bicycle cranks to bicycles. The attachment mechanism is commonly called the bottom bracket. PowerCranks make adapters for the three most common types available on typical road bicycles. We also make special adapters to work with external bearing or wide bottom brackets found on the latest high end racing bicycles. If you want to fit your bike please call or email as there are some special considerations.
The common Bottom Bracket Choices
PowerCranks must be mounted to a standard bottom bracket we make five types for the three most common standard bicycle bottom brackets and for two different ones frequently seen on high end exercise bikes. These choices are:
•tapered square - this has been around "forever". This is our standard BB type and if you have to buy a BB to adapt your bike this is what we would recommend. If you have to buy a TS BB a 110-112 length works best on most bikes.
•Shimano V1 octalink - Shimano has made two different versions of the octalink system, V1 and V2. We work with the V1 road/track version. This is a special order item.
•ISIS - designed to be a new "standard but not in widespread use.. This is a special order item.
•a heavy duty hexagon (six sides) used on the classic Lemond Revmaster. This is a special order item - includes special spider for the classic Lemond Revmaster.)
Do I need or should I want the dual (locking) option?
In the past we have tried to talk people out of getting this option if they are interested in it (usually unsuccessfully). We felt it simply made it too easy to be lazy such that a lot of the benefits of the PowerCranks might be lost if the lock-out function was used too much. But, there are a few instances where the dual mode option is definitely good to have. Plus, there is something new on the horizon that might make it a good option for everyone. The known good uses for the dual mode option are:
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You are a coach and will be using the cranks to do fittings. Locking them up facilitates measuring the angles you need
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You are at a very high level now and have heard the stories about how hard they are in the beginning and are afraid of losing fitness. While this isn't really an issue for most you can't know if it is an issue for you until you get on them. If you need the reassurance that you can keep your mileage up and adapt a little more slowly if needed, in order to get on them, then by all means do so. Having the option doesn't mean you have to use it. But, if you don't have it and it keeps you from using the cranks, this is a bad thing
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You only have one bike and intend to race using regular cranks. We recommend after the adaption period that, if you will be racing on regular cranks, that you occasionally train on regular cranks to train yourself to ride them the same way you ride the PC's. If you only have one bike the dual mode cranks facilitate this training.
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You are a rehabilitation professional and would like the ability for your PowerCranks bike to also do passive range of motion therapy.
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You will put them on a mountain bike and occasionally ride trails where the PC mode would be dangerous. This would allow you to lock them out for these sections of the trail. The limited motion cranks would work for this purpose also.
So, why are we changing our thoughts on the Dual mode option that we might recommend them for everyone? Well, in 2009 the first 2nd generation power meter was announced. The product? Metrigear Vector pedals, a new cycling power meter that will actually give left and right pedal forces (and force direction) around the entire circle. We were very excited at this prospect because most PowerCrankers race on regular cranks and this product would allow them to see if and how their technique changes as they return to regular cranks. And, would allow the athlete to analyze technique and design training to optimize both technique and fitness. Unfortunately, technical challenges have prevented these from reaching the market as of yet. But, in the interim other manufacturers have announced other implementations of this idea but none of them have made it to market yet either. The first to make it to market is going to be iCranks, a modification of a pair of dual mode PowerCranks, expected for delivery in December, 2012. We expect these to be very powerful tool for the serious cyclist and you can read more about that here. You won't need iCranks to make the changes PowerCranks give you but, most of our customers still race on regular cranks and having the dual mode function on a bike with with the iCranks power meter one will be able to immediately see how much they "revert" when they go back to regular cranks or how much they revert after 4 hours on the bike compared to the first hour. Just because you can go out of an 4 hour ride on the PowerCranks doesn't mean one is fully adapted. This product will really let the PowerCranker know how well adapted they really are and how much more work there is to be done. It will be a great fine-tuning device and the dual mode (which is standard on the iCranks) will facilitate the benefits to the PowerCranker.
Entry, Basic, or Xlite, or "special" which will it be?
Will the Entry Level PowerCranks satisfy my needs?
The PowerCranks Entry level model is for the cost conscious athlete. There are two models, one fixed at 170 mm for the rider who knows they will be happy with a standard size crank and another incorporating 5 different crank lengths, 170, 150, 130, 110, and 90 mm which allows the rider to experiment with crank length and help the user to get pretty close to optimum crank length for them with a minimal cost investment. The main drawback to either of these models is the crank lengths vary in 20 mm increments such that the user cannot experiment to "fine-tune" their optimum crank length and the longest crank length available is only 170 mm.
Will the Basic PowerCranks satisfy my needs?
The "basic" PowerCranks are the traditional PowerCranks with all the options we have recently offered. The difference between these and the entry cranks are: 1. the dual mode option (the ability to turn them into regular cranks) is available. 2. The cranks are all adjustable in 2.5 mm increments and depending upon the model can be adjusted from 145 to 182.5 mm (for those who can't believe they will ever go any shorter than 145 mm) or from 90 to 182.5mm (for those who do not want to limit their options on how short they can go). The basic option should be right for most users who are looking for more than what the entry level crank can offer but are not concerned about weight in a training device. If the weight is going to keep you from using the cranks or you think you might race on them someday, either get the X-lites (if you don't need to go any shorter than 145mm) or special order lightweight racing cranks from us in the length you specify. If you can get past the weight issue and cost is not the controlling factor then, as a training tool, the basics are probably ideal for most. For more information on the pros and cons of the different PowerCranks models visit the product description page.
Do I need or want the X-lite or special racing cranks?
Some people simply cannot stand to add all the weight of the basic PowerCranks to their bike, especially if they are thinking of racing on the product. For them we have the X-lites, where we have tried to remove as much weight as possible from the crank arm while keeping the ability to experiment with crank length. Unfortunately, the X-lites only go as short as 145 mm. If you feel like you will want to experiment with even shorter cranks then we would recommend you get the short adjustable basic cranks (or get the "extra long" option that can also act as an "extra short" option) and experiment with crank length until you see what is best for you, then upgrade to the special order racing crank of that specific length. We offer the ability to do this in one package, where we send you the basic cranks for your experimenting then you specify within 12 months which lightweight crank length you have chosen. .
Do I need or want the "Extra long" option?
This option is for the user with special needs. These are designed to meet the needs of the rehabilitation specialist who needs more flexibility than can be achieved with our short basic cranks. Or, to meet the needs of the sprinter (who needs especially strong hip flexor capability), or the very tall athlete (where "normal" crank lengths don't provide much hip flexor stress.
1. The option adds about 30 mm to the adjustability range at each end of our regular cranks. So you can make your basic or X-lite cranks longer or shorter than how they came. Even longer range adjustment can be made available through special order, of course (contact us)
2. This option makes it possible to easily go as long as 220 mm (and longer with a special order) for those who have special needs, such as very tall athletes where the standard crank length doesn't stress their hip flexors very much or the runner who needs to stress these muscles more than the typical cyclist.
3. This also makes is possible to go about 30 mm shorter than our basic cranks. You could go as short as 115 mm or 60 mm (depending upon the basic model you have). This is useful in helping small children fit an adult exercise bike sooner, if your children are anxious to start training like mom and dad.
Do I need the X-Lite model?
While still heavier than ordinary cranks, the XLite models reduce the weight of each crank arm where it counts, in the crank arm. These cranks save about 250 grams over the basic cranks. It does this while maintaining all of the stiffness of the cranks. The X-lites are best for you if:
1. If you think you would someday want to race on the cranks (many do) and, if so, the X-Lite would be an excellent choice.
2. If you are preoccupied with bike weight. If the thought of adding a bunch of weight to your bike would prevent you from getting on the product then get the X-lites.
Do I need the racing model?
You don't need the racing model unless you have are well trained on PowerCranks, have decided what the best length for you is, and have decided you want to race on PowerCranks, and have decided you want the lightest cranks possible. Short racing cranks are our lightest PowerCranks by far. They are made to optimize lightness and stiffness at the length you determine. Available in lengths down to 70 mm. Not all sizes in stock. Call for availability and cost.
ICranks, are they for me?
The PowerCranks iCranks give you the best of everything, PowerCranks and a second generation power meter in one product. I presume you are getting PowerCranks because you believe technique is important but now, with iCranks it is possible to measure your technique and to see just how well you have adapted to the basic changes the PowerCranks force upon you when you go back to regular cranks but you can also see where other improvements are possible with enough focus and effort. PowerCranks iCranks are the absolute best tool available for the serious athlete hoping to get the absolute most out of their training efforts. Our expectation is that the combination of PowerCranks with a 2nd generation power meter accomplishes this goal for the athlete willing to do the hard work. These are expected to be available in December 2012.
PowerCranks™ Price List for current model
Entry1 $699
Entry5 $799
Basic 145-182.5 (more info) $999
Basic 90-182.5 (more info) $1,299
Xlite - racing (more info) $1,299
special short racing cranks $699
iCranks $3,200 (expected) - pre-order and save.
Options
triple chain ring ($50)
Dual mode ($250)
Extra long option ($200)
All models come with an unconditional, 90 day, satisfaction guarantee and a 2 year mechanical warranty.
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