Conversions... what's the problem?

About that short crank solution, quite honestly I don't know how a mere 5mm shorter would make a huge difference in preventing pedal strike, I mean 5mm, that's pretty short.

I'd have though it come down to the choice of pedal than the crank length itself, a short clipless pedal would have less chance of a pedal strike than a wide BMX-style pedal.

Combo of all those things Ed, and of course the Q-factor has a bearing if you run a wider chainline and longer BB axle than a track set up.

There is no disadvantage to running 165mm cranks on the road.