Interbike 2016: Crank Brothers get Wider, Tidier, and Clickier

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Tidy Tool
Tidy Tool

Whenever show time rolls around, it’s a surprise to see just how broad the Crank Brothers range is- and how much is updated on a regular basis.  After a bit of a misstep with 2014’s Y-series, the Californian company is back to its roots with a series of tidy folding tools.  The entire F-series begins with the 10-function F10 and then adds a magnetised case-stroke-cheater bar with bottle opener (F10+) and or that and a chain tool with spoke wrenches (F15).  The line is clean, easy to use, and has few sharp edges to snag pockets or puncture spare tubes.

Lotus-inspired ano
Lotus-inspired ano

Is it gold?  Heck yeah it is.  The chi-chi Mallet E11 is a trail- and enduro-focused pedal with adjustable traction than lower-spec Mallets, and titanium engagement wings.

Half or double the pedal?
Half or double the pedal?

Initially built as an entry-level option for commuter bikes, the half-clip, half-flat Double Shot line grows with a higher-spec “3” model.  Proper traction pins are added for off-road use, a rough “shark skin” coating helps traction even more, and the spindle has been lengthened for a more of an aggressive ‘enduro’ stance.

Clicky Goodness
Clicky Goodness

A Click pump line also joins the range- living up to its name with action that feels and sounds mechanical in a rather satisfying way.  The line is split into parallel high- and low-volume (mountain and road) applications and the flex hose is held in place magnetically.  High-spec models get in-line pressure gauges and CO2 inflators hidden in the handle (the blue bit above).

Wheels of Wideness
Wheels of Wideness

Finally wheels retain Crank Brothers’ hub-mounted extended nipples and paired spoke design, allowing high spoke tensions and keeping weight at the wheel centre- but in keeping with current trends grow wider across the board.  That means that the Trail-oriented Iodine is 5mm wider at 28mm inside and the cross-country Cobalts grow 2mm to 23mm inside.  Hubs have been slimmed down to offset the added material at the rim and prices are down 15-20% across the board.

crankbrothers.com

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