Perhaps better known in the dirtjump market, in celebration of their 20th anniversary DMR were presenting some cool new products at EUROBIKE that would be perfect for the aggressive trail rider. We were especially impressed with the new AXE crank, Deathgrip’s and were also happy to see the return of the Trailstar.

AXE crank

The new DMR AXE cranks have a number of innovative features
The new DMR AXE cranks have a number of innovative features
The hollow construction keeps the weight low but maintains the stiffness
The hollow construction keeps the weight low but maintains the stiffness

The new AXE cranks are a burly, big hitting trail cranks that offer maximum strength while keeping the weight sensible. The weight of 790g (with all hardware and chainring) is impressive, and is achieved using HOLLOWFORM technology to keep them light and stiff. The 30 mm axle keeps the axles stiff and all common BB standards are covered. One neat feature that we were really impressed with is that uniquely, the crank is removed from the drive side, so chainrings can be changed without deconstructing the entire crank. If you want a bigger ratio simply pop off the drive side arm and swap in a new chainring. The cranks will retail for €219 complete.

Deathgrip

Designed by Brendog the new Deathgrips are a sweet grip
Designed by Brendog the new Deathgrips are a sweet grip
The Deathgrip's have a single clamp retention
The Deathgrip’s have a single clamp retention
The waffle and knurled design boosts grip
The waffle and knurled design boosts grip

The Deathgrip has been designed in collaboration with DMR bikes and Brendog. Both were seeking a grip with a single lock, allowing the grip to be held right to the end. This was achieved by using a taperlock core, where the core thins towards the end, making the grip bite onto the bar before the single lock is tightened.

The grip features a classic knurl pattern using the soft Kraton compound for the best all-weather grip surface for your palm. A waffle design provides an edge to hold onto when you really are deathgripping them and the flange adds a moto twist. The grips will retail for around €15 and are available in a wide range of colour and a medium and large diameter.

DMR Trailstar

Designed for the riding that we all love.
Designed for the riding that we all love.

Lastly it was cool to see the return of the Trailstar. Many years ago the Trailstar hardtail defined a generation, it was a bike that could do everything from dirt jumping to XC. The new Trailstar looks set to continue that tradition and has versatitily at its core. The 27.5” bike claims compatibility with 27.5+ (up to a 2.8 inch tyre) and is designed around a 140-150 mm fork. The frame is made from heat treated 4130 steel and is low, slack and above all fun! The bike features an 8mm swapout dropout so you can extend the wheelbase and the frame will be available for €899. The Trailstar is built for the riding that got you hooked in the first place.

For more information check out DMR’s website

Words and photos: Trev Worsey


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