Gift Guide: Hope's CNC Machined Crankset

With mountain bike drivetrains these days, versatility is key. With different bikes, different riding styles and so many different trails out there, being able to adapt your gearing is important so you can get the most out of your bike. On top of that, current frame standards seem to be in a state of flux, and particularly when it comes to bottom brackets. Looking to address both of these contemporary problems, Hope have released their long-awaited CNC machined crankset. Designed as an entirely modular 3-piece system, their new crankset doesn’t just bring the strength and reliability that comes from a product wearing the Hope badge, it also brings with it a whole new level of functionality and adaptability that the big brands don’t currently offer. And the better news? The new cranks have just arrived in Australia – right on time for a sneaky Christmas present!

“Developed over many years the Hope crank has been designed using the latest FEA (Finite Element Analysis) tools and extensive multi discipline field testing. The cranks feature a unique expanding spline axle/arm interface (pat pending). Previously, cranks using splines often used a taper to ensure a snug fit. These cranks worked fine the first time they were fitted to the axle, but once they’d been taken off and on a few times, the spline became worn, so they’d suffer from the inevitable movement and annoying creak. Hope felt there must be a better way. After many years of testing they think they’ve found it in the form of an expanding spline. The cranks are pulled onto a conventional spline, then a tapered plug is fitted inside the axle which can be tightened up each time the arm is refitted – giving a perfect fit every time. Added to this Hope CNC machine the arms from forgings which gives them immense stiffness and strength. The arms also have a splined mounting for spiders and direct mount sprockets giving excellent versatility. The cranks are compatible with the majority of bottom bracket systems via Hopes expanded range of bottom brackets.” – Hope Tech

The Hope Crankset features:

• Forged and CNC machined 7075 series aluminium alloy crank arms
• Unique expanding spline/arm interface (patent pending)
• Versatile Spline mount for chainring/spider
• 165, 170 and 175mm length
• 30mm oversized axle
• Arms available in black, blue, red, silver, gunsmoke, purple and orange
• Different axle length options available to accomodate most bikes from XC, DH and FAT bikes
• Weight: 641g (arms, axle and 34 tooth spiderless ring)
• RRP: $479 (w/out spider) or $549 (w/spider)

Like Hope’s venerable Pro 2 hubs, their CNC crankset is built for longevity. The unique 3-piece design is Hope’s take on attaching the crank arms to the axle, where an expanding collet design allows for a super snug fit that eliminates any chance of slop that could develop between the splines over time. As you’d expect, they’re beautifully CNC machined in Hope’s UK factory, with a durable finish that’s designed to look fresh for years to come. They use a 30mm axle, and Hope has a bottom bracket to suit nearly every frame out there, making for painless installation. Because of the separate axle, Hope offers multiple axle widths depending on what frame you have, and it also means that you could potentially move the cranks from a regular mountain bike onto a fatbike, by simply purchasing a wider fatbike-specific axle. Our pick? Go for the cheaper $479 spiderless crank option, and pair them to a Hope Direct-mount Retainer Chainring for a super clean setup.

Either way though, if you’re looking for a high quality fit and finish and something a little different than what’s currently available from the Big ‘S’ guys, the new Hope cranks could be the shiny centrepiece of your pride and joy! Oh, and did we mention they come in a range of anodized colours??

Bikesportz

Website: www.bikesportz.com.au