krank-ahrms
noun
The two metal arms connected to a bicycle's pedals
Example usage: You need to tighten the bolts on the crank-arms to make sure your pedals don't slip.
Most used in: Cycling circles around the world.
Most used by: Cyclists who like to tinker with their bikes.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: cranks, crank arms, chainrings, bottom bracket spindle,
What Are Crank-Arms in Cycling?
Crank-arms are the two arms that connect the pedals to the bottom bracket of a bike. They are typically made of aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, or titanium, and come in a variety of lengths. Crank-arms are an important component of a bike’s drivetrain, as they are used to transfer the force of the rider’s pedaling to the drivetrain.
Crank-arms come in a variety of sizes and lengths, so it’s important to choose the right size for your bike. Generally, the shorter the crank-arm, the more efficient your pedaling will be, as it will allow for a shorter stroke. Longer crank-arms, on the other hand, will provide more leverage, making pedaling easier but less efficient. The most common crank-arm lengths are 165, 170, and 175 millimeters.
The length of your crank-arms can also affect your pedaling speed. Studies have shown that riders with shorter crank-arms tend to have higher cadences, while those with longer crank-arms tend to have lower cadences. It’s important to choose the right size crank-arms to ensure that your pedaling is efficient and comfortable.
.The Origin of Crank-Arms in Cycling
The term 'crank-arms' originated in the context of cycling in the late 19th century. Crank-arms are the metal rods that connect the pedals to the bottom bracket of a bicycle. The first use of the term dates back to 1883 in the United Kingdom.
The earliest reference to crank-arms in a bicycle was in a British patent application. The patent was awarded to Edward Joseph Marks, a British inventor, who applied for a patent for a bicycle with a 'crank-arm and connecting rod'.
Since then, the term 'crank-arms' has been widely used to refer to the metal rods that connect the pedals to the bottom bracket of a bicycle. In addition, the term is also used to refer to the arms of a crankset, which consists of the crank-arms, bottom bracket, and chainrings.
In the modern day, crank-arms are a critical component of any bicycle, and are used in a variety of different bicycle designs. From road bikes to mountain bikes, crank-arms are essential for providing the cyclist with the power to move forward.
