Help in selecting the Right PowerCranks
PowerCranks offer so many alternatives and options! How can you know you are getting the right set?
There are three decisions you need to make to get the PowerCranks.
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 basic, X-lite, or Long-adjustable model.
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 basic 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.
•ISIS - designed to be a new "standard but not in widespread use.
•a heavy duty hexagon (six sides) used on the Lemond Revmaster classic. ($25 upcharge - includes special spider for Lemond classic Revmaster.)
•external bearing or BB30 type bottom brackets. Please call or email for more information. 
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 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, soon there will be a product on the market where the dual mode will offer a real advantage to the serious cyclist. Seen at the 2009 Interbike this product is supposed to be available sometime in 2010. 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. Of course, these pedals will measure exactly what PowerCranks is trying to do. You won't need these pedals 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 Vector power meter one will be able to immediately see how much they "revert" when they go back to regular cranks. 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 will facilitate the benefits to the PowerCranker.
Basic, Xlite, or long-adjustable, which will it be?
Will the Basic PowerCranks satisfy my needs?
The PowerCranks Basic model should be right for most users. We expect 95-98% of the PowerCranks benefits to be available to the basic crank user if you are using them strictly as a training device. The only problem here is we want you to train on them as if you intend to race on them. The weight of the cranks might bother you here if you chose to race on them but, of course, the extra weight is an advantage when it comes to training. And, some cyclists are just bothered by weight on their bicycle. If the weight is going to keep you from using the cranks, get the X-lites. If you think you might race on them someday, get the X-lites. If you can get past the weight issue then 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 the Long Adjustable model?
This model does several things for the user with special needs.
1. The cranks can go as short as 85 mm to accomodate those with special needs, the very short or those with range of motion issues in the hip or knee preventing them from riding regular length cranks
2. The cranks can go as long as 220 mm (and could go 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. If you have the cranks on an exercise bike and share them with other riders who want to ride a different crank length the long-adjustable crank makes the adjustment mush easier and faster, only requiring a 5 mm allen wrench and about 30 seconds compared to needing a pedal wrench and a couple of minutes on the basic or X-lite cranks. This would be the ideal crank for a physical therapy facility.
4. The long-adjustable length models allow one to easily increase crank-arm length to perform specific drills or to work on particular aspects of your pedal stroke. For instance, longer sizes help one to work on lifting power, forcing the hip flexors to contract more. The shorter crank lengths help work on high cadence spinning. Also, longer crank lengths may be better for those specifically interested in improving running performance to help emphasize knee lift or core strength.
5. The long-adjustable length cranks are best for exercise bike users with children who need very short cranks now but want the cranks to grow with the kids. This model easily adjusts from 85mm to 220mm! The shorter crank lengths will also allow smaller children to fit on an "adult" exercise bike sooner. If your children are motivated to train like mom and dad the adjustable cranks will allow them to do so sooner but, unlike having to buy them new shoes every 6 months or so, these "shoes" will grow with them.
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:
1. If you think you would someday want to race on the cranks (many do after the first year), 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.
PowerCranks™ Price List for current model
Basic (more info) $999
Basic long-adjustable (more info) $1199
Xlite - racing (more info) $1299
Options
triple chain ring ($50)
Dual mode ($250)
All models come with an unconditional, 90 day, satisfaction guarantee and a 2 year mechanical warranty.
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