Evenepoel's crank downsize: 165mm for less drag, not just more spin

Shorter cranks usually get sold as a cadence fix. On Evenepoel they're an aero fix: 165mm lets his knee pass the foot more, shifting load onto quads and glutes while keeping the leg more vertical through the pedal stroke. Dan Bigham's point is the one that matters — extended-leg versus vertical-leg position is a large drag delta on its own, before you even get to arm length or torso flexion. Combined with a trunk and upper-leg length his physiotherapist calls "very important," the crank swap isn't isolated equipment tinkering — it's one more variable tuned to fit a body shape that was already unusually suited to a small frontal area.

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