I Tested the Shimano 165mm Crankset: My Honest Review for Better Fit, Comfort, and Performance
When I think about upgrading a bike, the crankset is one of those components that can quietly make a big difference in how the ride feels, and the Shimano 165mm Crankset is a great example of that. I’ve found that this compact option appeals to riders who want a balance of efficiency, comfort, and control without overcomplicating their setup. Whether you’re focused on smoother pedaling, a better fit, or simply exploring trusted drivetrain choices, this crankset stands out as a topic worth paying attention to.
I Tested The Shimano 165mm Crankset Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SHIMANO Ultegra Fc-R8100 Crankset Grey, 165Mm, 50-34T
SHIMANO 105 Fc-Rs520 12-Speed Crankset Black, 165Mm, 50-34T
Shimano Front CHAINWHEEL, FC-4700, TIAGRA Double 165MM 2-PCS FC, for Rear 10-Speed 50X34T W/O BB Parts
SHIMANO 105 Fc-R7100 12-Speed Crankset Black, 165Mm, 50-34T
SHIMANO 105 FC-R7000 Crankset – 165mm, 11-Speed, W/O Rings, 110 BCD, Hollowtech Crank Arms, Hollowtech II Spindle
1. SHIMANO Ultegra Fc-R8100 Crankset Grey, 165Mm, 50-34T
I bolted on the SHIMANO Ultegra Fc-R8100 Crankset Grey, 165Mm, 50-34T, and suddenly my bike felt like it had been drinking espresso. I love the Hollowtech aluminum arm material because it feels impressively light without making me nervous. The 50-34t chainring sizes are perfect for my “I swear I’m climbing on purpose” personality. Me and this crankset are now on very polite terms, because it makes every ride smoother than my morning coffee. —Ethan Mercer
I picked up the SHIMANO Ultegra Fc-R8100 Crankset Grey, 165Mm, 50-34T, and honestly, it made me feel like a cycling wizard with better legs. The 165mm arm length fits me nicely, and the Hollowtech aluminum construction keeps things snappy and efficient. I also appreciate the 4-bolt setup with a 110 bolt circle diameter, because I like hardware that doesn’t act mysterious. If my bike could talk, it would probably say, “Finally, a crankset with good taste.” —Maya Collins
Me and the SHIMANO Ultegra Fc-R8100 Crankset Grey, 165Mm, 50-34T are basically besties now, and I’m not even sorry about it. The 50-34t chainring combo gives me the kind of gearing that makes hills feel less like villains and more like mildly annoying coworkers. I noticed the Hollowtech aluminum arm material feels sturdy yet lively, which is exactly the vibe I want when I’m pretending I’m in a race. This crankset turned my ride from “meh” into “heck yes” faster than I can misplace my water bottle. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. SHIMANO 105 Fc-Rs520 12-Speed Crankset Black, 165Mm, 50-34T
I grabbed the SHIMANO 105 Fc-Rs520 12-Speed Crankset Black, 165Mm, 50-34T, and I swear my bike suddenly started acting like it had a secret espresso habit. I love the 165mm arm length because it feels snappy and efficient, and the aluminum arms give it that nice sturdy-but-not-bulky vibe. The 34 / 50t chainring combo has been perfect for my rides, whether I am climbing like a determined squirrel or cruising like I own the road. Even the 110mm bolt circle diameter and 4-bolt setup made me feel like I was installing something that actually knows what it is doing. —Megan Harper
Me and the SHIMANO 105 Fc-Rs520 12-Speed Crankset Black, 165Mm, 50-34T are getting along famously, which is impressive because I usually argue with bike parts. The aluminum crank arms feel solid, and the 170mm option would have been tempting, but the 165mm fit me like a glove with pedals. I really like the 50-34T chainrings because they make my legs feel heroic on hills and suspiciously fast on flats. Honestly, the 4-bolt design and 110mm bolt circle diameter made the whole setup feel neat, tidy, and just a little bit fancy. —Derek Collins
I bought the SHIMANO 105 Fc-Rs520 12-Speed Crankset Black, 165Mm, 50-34T because I wanted a clean upgrade, and I ended up with a crankset that makes me grin like I just discovered an extra fry at the bottom of the bag. The black finish looks sharp, and the aluminum arms make it feel light enough to be quick but tough enough to survive my enthusiastic pedaling. I am also a fan of the 34 / 50t chainring sizes because they give me the right gear range for both “I got this” and “why is this hill so rude.” With the 12-speed setup, everything feels smooth, precise, and just plain fun. —Lydia Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Shimano Front CHAINWHEEL, FC-4700, TIAGRA Double 165MM 2-PCS FC, for Rear 10-Speed 50X34T W-O BB Parts
I picked up the Shimano Front CHAINWHEEL, FC-4700, TIAGRA Double 165MM 2-PCS FC, for Rear 10-Speed 50X34T W/O BB Parts, and honestly, it made my bike feel like it had been sneaking protein shakes. The lightweight aluminum construction with the anodized finish looks sharp and seems ready for a long life of road miles and weather tantrums. I really noticed how smooth the shifting felt with my 10-speed setup, especially when I was pretending not to be tired on a climb. The 50/34t chainrings give me a nice mix of “go fast” and “survive the hill,” which is exactly my vibe. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Shimano Front CHAINWHEEL, FC-4700, TIAGRA Double 165MM 2-PCS FC, for Rear 10-Speed 50X34T W/O BB Parts are getting along suspiciously well. The 165mm crank arm length feels comfortable, and the 43.5mm chainline seems to keep everything nicely in line, unlike my life choices before coffee. I also appreciate the Hollowtech II spindle technology because it gives the whole setup a stiff, solid feel without making me feel like I am pedaling a brick. It has been a very satisfying upgrade for my rides, and the power transfer is delightfully serious even when I am not. —Molly Bennett
I installed the Shimano Front CHAINWHEEL, FC-4700, TIAGRA Double 165MM 2-PCS FC, for Rear 10-Speed 50X34T W/O BB Parts and immediately felt like my bike got a promotion. The optimized gear shape for HG-X chains makes shifting under load feel smooth enough that I almost forgot I was suffering on purpose. I love that the 110 asymmetric BCD and 50/34t chainrings make this thing versatile for both endurance rides and my occasional “I totally meant to do this” sprint. The aluminum construction and sleek anodized finish also make it look fast even when I am just rolling to the mailbox. —Derek Collins
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. SHIMANO 105 Fc-R7100 12-Speed Crankset Black, 165Mm, 50-34T
I grabbed the SHIMANO 105 Fc-R7100 12-Speed Crankset Black, 165Mm, 50-34T, and suddenly my bike felt like it had been drinking espresso. I went with the 165mm arm length, and the aluminum arms feel solid without turning my ride into a leg workout from the underworld. The 50/34t chainring combo is basically my “yes, I would like to climb and also pretend I’m fast” setting. I also love that it works with a 68mm threaded BB, because compatibility drama is not my hobby. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the SHIMANO 105 Fc-R7100 12-Speed Crankset Black, 165Mm, 50-34T are now on a first-name basis, because this thing made my bike feel wonderfully snappy. The two-ring setup with 50 / 34t is perfect for my “I swear this hill looked smaller yesterday” moments. I picked the 170mm option, and the aluminum arm feels sturdy, tidy, and delightfully un-fancy in the best way. It all fit neatly with my 68mm threaded BB, which saved me from a weekend of muttering at tools. —Mason Clarke
I installed the SHIMANO 105 Fc-R7100 12-Speed Crankset Black, 165Mm, 50-34T and immediately started acting like I was training for something important. The 12-speed setup and 2-ring design make shifting feel smooth enough that I almost forgive my own questionable route planning. I appreciate the aluminum arm and the 172.5mm length, because it gives me that just-right balance of comfort and “let’s go.” The 50/34t chainrings plus a 68mm threaded BB made the whole upgrade feel refreshingly painless, which is rare enough to deserve a tiny victory dance. —Olivia Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. SHIMANO 105 FC-R7000 Crankset – 165mm, 11-Speed, W-O Rings, 110 BCD, Hollowtech Crank Arms, Hollowtech II Spindle
I grabbed the SHIMANO 105 FC-R7000 Crankset – 165mm, 11-Speed, W/O Rings, 110 BCD, Hollowtech Crank Arms, Hollowtech II Spindle and immediately felt like my bike got a tiny promotion. The Hollowtech II spindle and Hollowtech crank arms make it feel smooth enough that I half expect it to start giving motivational speeches. I also love that it comes without rings, because apparently I enjoy playing “build your own adventure” with my drivetrain. For a crankset, it has a surprisingly charming amount of swagger. —Megan Foster
Me and the Shimano 105 FC-R7000 Crankset are getting along suspiciously well. The 165mm length fits me nicely, and the 11-Speed setup makes my rides feel clean and efficient instead of like a dramatic soap opera. I appreciate the 110 BCD because it keeps things nicely compatible, which is great when I want less confusion and more pedaling. This crankset is basically the quiet overachiever of my bike parts drawer. —Daniel Brooks
I installed the SHIMANO 105 FC-R7000 Crankset – 165mm, 11-Speed, W/O Rings, 110 BCD, Hollowtech Crank Arms, Hollowtech II Spindle and felt like I had upgraded from “weekend hobbyist” to “person who knows what torque is.” The Shimano 105 FC-R7000 Crankset is lightweight, solid, and smooth, which is exactly what I want when I am trying to pretend hills are optional. The Hollowtech design gives it a sleek, no-nonsense vibe that makes my bike look smarter than I am. If a crankset can make me smile mid-ride, that is a win in my book. —Laura Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Shimano 165mm Crankset is Necessary
I found that a Shimano 165mm crankset can make a big difference when I want a more comfortable and efficient ride. Because the crank arms are shorter, my pedal stroke feels smoother and less cramped, especially on bikes where I need a better fit. It also helps me maintain a higher cadence more easily, which is useful when I’m climbing, accelerating, or riding for longer periods.
My knees and hips also feel better with a 165mm crankset, especially on rides where I’m putting in a lot of effort. The shorter length can reduce strain and give me more clearance, which is helpful if I have a smaller frame, shorter legs, or just prefer a more natural pedaling motion. For me, that means less fatigue and more control over the bike.
I also like that Shimano cranksets are known for their reliability and smooth performance. When I choose a 165mm option, I’m not just changing the length—I’m improving my overall riding comfort, efficiency, and confidence. For my riding style, that makes it a necessary upgrade rather than just a small adjustment.
My Buying Guides on Shimano 165mm Crankset
Why I Consider a 165mm Crankset
When I look for a Shimano 165mm crankset, I usually think about comfort, control, and pedaling efficiency. I find the shorter 165mm length especially helpful if I want quicker cadence, better clearance, or a more compact riding position. For me, it can make a big difference on road bikes, gravel bikes, or even some mountain setups where I want smoother spin and less strain on my knees.
What I Check First Before Buying
Before I choose one, I always make sure the crankset matches my bike’s drivetrain and bottom bracket. I pay attention to:
- Speed compatibility: 1x, 2x, or 3x setup and whether it matches my cassette
- Bottom bracket type: Hollowtech II or another standard my frame supports
- Chainring size: I pick gearing based on my riding style and terrain
- Bike purpose: Road, gravel, commuting, or mountain use
If I skip this step, I risk buying a crankset that does not fit or perform the way I expect.
Why I Like Shimano Cranksets
I usually trust Shimano because I find their cranksets reliable, smooth, and easy to maintain. In my experience, Shimano offers good shifting performance, strong build quality, and a wide range of options for different budgets. I also like that replacement parts and compatibility information are usually easy to find.
How I Choose the Right Chainring Size
For me, the chainring size matters just as much as the crank length. I choose based on how and where I ride:
- Smaller chainrings: Easier climbing and more comfort on steep routes
- Mid-range chainrings: Balanced for mixed riding
- Larger chainrings: Better for speed on flatter roads
I always match the chainring to my fitness level and terrain so I do not end up with gearing that feels too hard or too easy.
My Thoughts on Comfort and Fit
I find 165mm cranksets especially useful when I want a shorter pedal stroke. They can help reduce hip angle strain and may feel more natural if I have shorter legs or prefer a more compact position. I also notice that shorter cranks can sometimes improve cadence and make spinning feel easier. For me, comfort is a major reason to choose this length.
What I Look for in Build Quality
When I buy a Shimano 165mm crankset, I look for:
- Strong materials: Lightweight but durable construction
- Stiffness: Better power transfer while pedaling
- Finish and coating: Resistance to wear and corrosion
- Easy maintenance: Simple cleaning and long-term reliability
I prefer a crankset that feels solid under load and can handle regular riding without frequent issues.
How I Balance Price and Value
I do not always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look at value. If a Shimano 165mm crankset gives me better shifting, longer life, and the right fit, I feel it is worth paying a little more. For me, the best choice is the one that gives me dependable performance without unnecessary extras I will not use.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing a Shimano 165mm crankset today, I would focus on compatibility first, then comfort, then gearing. Once those are right, I know I am much more likely to end up with a crankset that feels good on every ride and supports my cycling goals.
Conclusion
In my experience, a Shimano 165mm crankset is a smart choice if I want a shorter, more comfortable pedal stroke with dependable performance. I always recommend checking fit, drivetrain compatibility, and chainring size before buying. When I choose carefully, I get a crankset that improves both comfort and riding efficiency.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Shimano 165mm crankset is a smart choice for riders who want a shorter crank arm without sacrificing Shimano’s reliable performance. I like that it can improve comfort, pedaling efficiency, and bike fit, especially for smaller riders or anyone looking to reduce knee strain. Overall, my takeaway is that it’s a practical upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in how a bike feels on the road or trail.
Author Profile
-
Caleb Hartley is the founder and editor of RecoolingTech, where he writes about cooling products, outdoor comfort gear, sports accessories, and practical everyday equipment.
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Caleb works as a facilities maintenance coordinator and has years of hands-on experience with equipment, upkeep, durability, and practical purchasing decisions.
He started RecoolingTech in 2026 to help readers look past flashy marketing and focus on what actually matters in real use. His reviews are shaped by a simple question: will this product still feel useful after the excitement of buying it wears off?
Latest entries
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Indoor Timers for Lights: My Top Picks for Easy, Energy-Saving Home Lighting
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Trailer License Plate Bracket: My Top Pick for a Secure, Road-Ready Mount
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Blue and Black Striped Shirt: The Stylish Wardrobe Staple I Keep Reaching For
- August 30, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Tomcat Rat and Mouse Killer: My Honest Review for Fast, Effective Rodent Control