A crank arm is the carbon or metal arm connecting a bike’s pedal with the bottom bracket axle. It converts the effort of the rider from the pedals into rotational effort in order to drive the drivetrain. All bikes have two crank arms, with one for either side. Crank Arms assist with leverage, power, and efficiency. Their length (generally in millimeters) can impact your comfort and speed: longer crank arms provide you with greater leverage, but shorter crank arms may decrease knee pain. Quality bicycles tend to utilize lightweight materials such as carbon fiber for crank arms to maintain a low weight without sacrificing strength. The proper selection and maintenance of a crank arm can improve your bike position and performance, particularly for time trials or extended rides.
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