Krank
Noun, Verb
Crank refers to the arm attached to the pedals of a bicycle.
Example usage: I need to replace the crank on my mountain bike.
Most used in: Cycling circles around the world.
Most used by: Cyclists of all levels, from beginners to pros.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 5/10
Also see: Crankarm, Bottom Bracket, Chainring, Pedal Spindle, Spider Arm,
What is a Crank?
A crank is a part of the bicycle drivetrain, which is responsible for transferring the power from the rider's legs to the bicycle's rear wheel. It is connected to the pedals and the bottom bracket, and usually consists of two arms that are connected to a spindle. The spindle passes through the bottom bracket, which is a bearing assembly that connects the crank to the frame.
The crank arms are the two arms that are attached to the spindle. They are typically made of metal and are shaped like a letter 'L'. The arms are used to rotate the spindle, which in turn moves the chainring. The chainring is a circular piece of metal with teeth that allow the chain to move, which turns the rear wheel.
Crank arms come in a variety of lengths, ranging from 165mm to 180mm. Generally, the longer the crank arm, the more power the rider can generate. However, longer cranks can be harder to pedal, so riders should choose their crank length based on their individual needs.
According to a study in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, the most common crank length among cyclists is 170mm. Another study found that using a longer crank arm can improve cycling performance by up to 7%.
In conclusion, the crank is an important part of the bicycle drivetrain that is responsible for transferring the power from the rider's legs to the rear wheel. Crank arms come in a variety of lengths, with the most common length being 170mm. Longer crank arms can improve cycling performance, but riders should choose a length that is right for them.
.The Origin of the Cycling Term 'Crank'
The earliest known use of the term 'crank' to refer to bicycle components dates back to 1887 in England. The term was used to describe the arm attached to the pedals of a bicycle, and was derived from the crank-like shape of the arm.
The use of the term 'crank' to refer to the arm of a bicycle quickly spread throughout the cycling community in the late 19th century. By the early 20th century, the term was widely used to describe the arm of a bicycle in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
The use of the term 'crank' has since become standard in the cycling community, and is used to describe the arm attached to the pedals of a bicycle. It is also used to describe any type of crank-like device, such as the cranks used to start a car engine.
