Products: Selecting the Right PowerCranks™

PowerCranks offer so many options? How can you know you are getting the right set? Well, you absolutely can't but you shouldn't be too concerned about getting it perfect as PowerCranks hold their value well with 5 year old basic sets selling for about $600 on EBay. If you get it wrong or want to "upgrade" later it won't cost you much. But, still you want to get it "right" the first time if you can. So, you should ask yourself a few questions when deciding on the correct pair of PowerCranks for you:

1. How serious am I? Will the Basic PowerCranks satisfy my needs?
2. When might I need the adjustable length cranks?
3. Do I want help to identify my optimal crank-arm length?
4. Do I plan to share my set of PowerCranks with other riders?
5. Am I buying the cranks for younger athletes who are still growing?
6. Will I be competing on my set of PowerCranks?
7. Is bike weight something that is critically important to me?
8. Are you afraid to purchase them because you have heard how hard they are and you are afraid it will hurt your fitness for the upcoming (or current) season?
9. Are you a mountain biker who rides technical trails?
9. What about cost?

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.

Will I be doing specific drills for cross-training?
The Adjustable length models allow one to 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.

And, lastly, if you have some type of physical abnormality, like a leg length discrepancy, the adjustable cranks will let you easily ride the correct crank length for each leg for maximum power and to keep your pelvis steady in the saddle. Lifts are poor solutions to this problem because, even though they will fix the leg length discrepancy at the bottom of the stroke, they will make it even worse at the top because they give the "shorter" leg a "shorter" crank at the bottom but a "longer" crank at the top.

Do I want help to identify my optimal crank-arm length?
Since most of us just ride the cranks that came with our bicycle we really do not know what the optimum crank length for us is - in fact, many of you do not even kown what crank length you ride. The adjustable cranks allow you to easily spend some time training at different lengths and testing yourself to see what is the optimum crank length for YOU. While this is probably only a small advantage it is an advantage and if you want every advantage, the adjustable cranks are probably for you.

With the Adjustable length models, you can easily do some serious testing of what the proper crank length should be when outfitting your racing bike for the upcoming season. You can also test if different crank lengths are more optimal for different conditions like climbing, rolling hills, or flat courses.

Do I plan to share my set of PowerCranks with other riders?
The Adjustable Length models are best for the rehabilitation specialists and others who will be using the same equipment for a variety of riders.

Am I buying the cranks for younger athletes who are still growing?
The Basic 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 200mm! 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 these "shoes" will grow with them

Will I be competing on my set of PowerCranks?
While still heavier than ordinary cranks, the XLite models reduce the weight of each crank arm where it counts, in the crank arm. It does this while maintaining all of the stiffness of the cranks. If you think you would someday want to race on the cranks (many do after the first year), the XLite would be an excellent choice.

Is bike weight something that is critically important to me?
If you are concerned about lighter bike components, the Xlite cranks provide approximately 125g weight saving per crank-arm versus our Basic models.

Are you afraid to purchase them because you have heard how hard they are and you are afraid it will hurt your fitness for the upcoming (or current) season?
For you the dual mode (lock-up) cranks will be right for you. When your legs give out in lock-out mode you can always put them in regular crank mode and finish your workout. And, as you adapt, use it less and less. If this is what it takes to get you on the cranks we have it for you.

Are you a mountain biker who rides technical trails?
For you the dual mode (lock-up) cranks will be right for you. When you come to an area that is too dangerous for the PowerCranks mode just stop, turn them into regular cranks, and ride on until it is safe again to go back into PowerCranks mode.

What about cost?

PowerCranks™ Price List for current model

All models come with an unconditional, 90 day, satisfaction guarantee and a 2 year mechanical warranty.