Now riding 165's (for last couple of days) have ridden 170's before that for two years, 175's before that for ever.
Swapped 175 ->170 because of knee trouble. 170 more comfortable because less range of motion.
Swapped 170 -> 165 because new bike came with them, but notice the difference mainly when out of the saddle, it's easier to maintain a smooth circular motion with the smaller cranks.
When sitting, 165's feel much like 170's apart from slightly harder to pedal for same gear ratio (due to less moment - obviously).
Another thing: first impressions on going downhill fast, there's less tendency to bounce around in the saddle with shorter cranks.
Now riding 165's (for last couple of days) have ridden 170's before that for two years, 175's before that for ever.
Swapped 175 ->170 because of knee trouble. 170 more comfortable because less range of motion.
Swapped 170 -> 165 because new bike came with them, but notice the difference mainly when out of the saddle, it's easier to maintain a smooth circular motion with the smaller cranks.
When sitting, 165's feel much like 170's apart from slightly harder to pedal for same gear ratio (due to less moment - obviously).
Another thing: first impressions on going downhill fast, there's less tendency to bounce around in the saddle with shorter cranks.
Hope this helps.