First Look | Hope Technology Cranks

16.01.2015
by

At long last Hope have finally started production of their eagerly anticipated cranks. We brought you news of these at Eurobike, and after a long wait Hope’s in-house CNC machines have been fired up, and are now busy turning raw aluminum ingots into these beautiful cranks.

After a long wait, the Hope Technology cranks are now under production
After a long wait, the Hope Technology cranks are now under production

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.

With a 30mm axle and weighing just 641g (with ring) the Hope Cranks will be a desired upgrade
With a 30mm axle and weighing just 641g (with ring) the Hope Cranks will be a desired upgrade
The cranks feature a unique expanding spline axle/arm interface
The cranks feature a unique expanding spline axle/arm interface
This is where every crank starts its journey
This is where every crank starts its journey

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.

This new machine will be working 24/7 to keep up with demand
This new machine will be working 24/7 to keep up with demand
Every crank will be manufactured in-house in Barnoldswick
Every crank will be manufactured in-house in Barnoldswick

Specifications:

  • Material – Forged and CNC machined 7000 series aluminium alloy crank arms
  • Length – 165, 170 and 175mm Q-Factor – 167mm
  • Axle Diameter – 30mm
  • 3-piece construction with expanding spline crank arm/axle interface (pat pending)
  • Versatile Spline mount compatible with 26T to 36T 104BCD and Double 64/104BCD
  • Colours: Initially black, with red, blue, silver, gunsmoke and purple following in March
  • Weight: 641g (arms, axle and 34t spiderless ring)
It was amazing watching the machine work
It was amazing watching the machine work
Ready for dipping, the first batch prepare to be given the hard black coating
Ready for dipping, the first batch prepare to be given the hard black coating

Prices:

  • Arms, Axle and Spider £245/€300/$429.50 Arms and Axle £215/€265/$375
  • Spider £40/€50/$70
  • Spiderless Retainer Chainring £55/€68/$95
Under the hammer, cranks have been tested through millions of cycles at Hope's in house lab
Under the hammer, cranks have been tested through millions of cycles at Hope’s in house lab
All tools required for fitment are included with the cranks
All tools required for fitment are included with the cranks
The finished article, ready for fitting
The finished article, ready for fitting

For more information check out the Hope website.

ENDURO Impressions

From the moment we first saw them, we have been looking forward to building these cranks up, and are very impressed with the quality of fit and finish. At 641g with the spider-less 34T ring they are competitively light and offer great compatibility. We have been putting these to the test through a grimy UK winter so expect a full review soon!

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