Posted by: skooks
Posted by: RAHrider
Rock strikes can suck but for me the key is not a short crank but a better hub engagement. It's harder to time and ratchet with a sloppy engagement. Hope pro4's are fine CK is better. I had a spank wheelset that had the same engagement as a shimano and I was continuously hitting things. I'd put my efforts there personally. I run 175s on all my bikes and tbh, I don't think I'd be pedaling through rock gardens with 170s that I don't with 175's. How much does 5mm really make? I have bigger issues hitting my chainring than the actual crank arms most of the time.
Totally agree about better hub engagement. I didn't buy the I9 Hydras specifically for their engagement, but they definitely make pedalling up tight, technical climbs easier. It's a very noticeable improvement. I did go from 175 to 170mm cranks, and the difference is noticeable. I still get pedal strikes, but not as many or as often even though I am riding the same bike on the same trails, and my technique hasn't changed much. I have found that pedal thickness makes a difference too, even though the it's only a few mm.
I am running the Hydra hubs and agree the engagement is top notch Yes ratcheting is easier and faster and I do love a successful ratchet through a section. I do feel that the shorter cranks I decided to go with will also make just enough difference to reduce the rock strikes and close calls enough to make the whole ride much more enjoyable. Will report back on that once everything is set up.
The other ideas of taller tires and thinner pedals are also great. I do run old school Crank Bros Candy pedals so those could probably be thinner. May swap out some new school thinner flats at some point if and when I try something more technical. Used to ride most of the old school NS tech (except the big exposure bridges and huck moves) but that was along time ago. Doesn’t do much for me now except remind me how much I hate adding physio into my daily routine 😉