Chainset UK

Truvativ Noir XC 3.3 And 1.1 Review

admin — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:24:56 +0000

SRAM have introduced some of the most pioneering cycling components since their formation in 1987. Focussing purely on cycling components and nothing else, this dedicated and focussed company have become renowned among professional and recreational cyclists for creating pioneering, high quality components every time. One of SRAM’s leading ranges is the SRAM Truvativ, created for cyclists with limitless ambition and determination, the Truvativ range has developed some of the most performance enhancing products. Two of Truvativs most notable products are the Noir XC 3.3 and the Noir 1.1.

The Truvativ Noir XC 3.3 was the first developed crankset out of the two, created using uni-directional carbon fibre and weighing 785 grams, our testers were instantly impressed with the Noir XC 3.3 light weight and strong design. The Noir XC 3.3 is the lightest chainset offered by Truvativ yet, with the perfect strength ratio of the carbon fibre make the Noir XC 3.3 one of the stiffest cranksets available. Our tests show that the perfect rigidity level guarantees a fantastic amount of power transfer between the cyclist and the road, while its light weight also help to improve the cyclists overall performance. The Noir XC 3.3 also features the new tungsten anodized rings which have been proven to be incredibly stiff and durable, ensuring no power loss whilst riding as well as precise and smooth changes through all ratios. This good looking chainset comes in a variety of colours, including sleek grey, racing green and starling orange, so each rider can personalise their chainset to suit their personality and bike frame. Our testers were extremely impressed by the Noir XC 3.3 and didn’t believe it could be compared with by any other chainset.

The release of the Truvativ Noir XC 1.1 proved our testers wrong. The Noir XC1.1 is the successor of the Noir XC 3.3, maintaining a lot of its predecessor’s features the Noir XC1.1 is a fantastic crankset. Although unlike the 3.3 the Noir XC1.1 has been manufactured solely as a single speed crank. As with the 3.3 the Noir XC1.1 has been developed using carbon, however, the Noir XC1.1 features a new crankarm design. The design includes hollow aluminium spine that has been forged with a unidirectional graphite casing. Our tests have indicated that this pioneering design has created an incredibly stiff crankset that impressively transfers power with no energy lost even during intensive cycling sessions. The Noir XC1.1 features a 32 tooth chainring that has been made using 7075-T6 aluminium creating a durable chainring that successfully shifts through all ratios quickly and smoothly. Weighing 612 grams without bottom bracket, the Noir XC1.1 is a great crankset that parallels the Noir XC 3.3.

Both of these cranksets are fantastic additions to the Truvativ range. Their strength, durability guarantee that they are both performance enhancing cranksets that will impress all cyclists at all levels from the first ride.

Shimano XTR Race M985 Review

admin — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:09:50 +0000

International manufacturer of cycling components Shimano is arguably the most well known manufacturer of cycling components. The company have developed some of the most pioneering cycling components used by professional athletes and enthusiastic recreational cyclist all around the world. And have always remained at the forefront of the cycling market, one of latest and most pioneering products is the Shimano XTR Race M985. Shimano have always produced great cranksets and the Shimano XTR Race M985 which combines old designs and new exciting materials illustrate Shimano’s dedication to continually improve and enhance their products. Moreover, our testers argued that the best aspect of Shimano’s latest crankset was that it features the best aspects of race and trail cranksets, in particular offering more gear options, creating a unique component. Shimano has said that the Shimano XTR Race M985 is the perfect chainset which will effectively improve a cyclist’s performance on race-day and we have to agree. The greatest change of the Shimano XTR is the new technical aspects, in particular the new Hollowtech II cold forging process crankarm design. This new assembly process has created the perfect equilibrium between weight and strength unfound on many cranksets. Whilst the arms are light, with the crankset weighing a mere 720 grams in total, they possess an unbelievable amount of strength. More importantly, the entire crankset, including the arms possess an amazing amount of rigidity. Ensuring that power is efficiently transferred between cyclist and road and with no power lost at any point while cycling, furthermore, our tests showed that the chainset remarkably improved a cyclist’s performance. The Shimano XTR Race M985 aluminium chainrings have also been redesigned and enhanced; the outer chainring is also hollow with an advanced 3D shape making it incredibly stiff and deflection resistant, ensuring that the Shimano XTR Race M985 shifts precisely and easily through all ratios. The Shimano XTR Race M985 really is an original component that effortlessly combines road and trail features, whilst looking great making it the best chainset available for cyclists today.

SRAM Truvativ XX BB30 Review

admin — Mon, 09 May 2011 09:24:18 +0000

SRAM are passionate about cycling, since their formation in 1987 they have only ever had one goal in mind and that is to create fantastic cycling components. A lot of SRAM products are unrivalled in their design, in their development and their performance. SRAM create unique, pioneering products that are sought out by professional cyclist and bought by leisure cyclists, both types of riders appreciate SRAM products and readily accept that they greatly enhance their performance. SRAM have a lot of different ranges to ensure that every cyclist gets the best product, one of their most premium ranges is Truvativ who create products “for the restless spirit”. One of Truvativ’s best cycling components is the Truvativ XX BB30 crankset. This recently updated crankset is one the best cranksets ever developed. The Truvativ XX BB30 crankset has been created using light weight integrated carbon composite on the crankarms, while the spider has been created using aluminium. These lightweight materials have meant that the Truvativ XX BB30 only weighs 694 grams including bottom bracket making it one of the lightest cranksets available to cyclists. While it maintains a low weight the crankset maintains a high level of rigidity, which helps to deliver amazing performances. Another great feature of the Truvativ XX BB30 is the pioneering and popular Giga X pipe external bottom bracket bearing assembly, this new and efficient design detains the left side bearing between the spindle and left crankarm. This eliminates the need to side-load bearings during adjustment and makes the bearings a lot more durable. The Truvativ XX BB30 feature two different chainrings combinations both of which have a 3:2 ratio and have been made using aluminium 7075-T651. All of the chainrings are extremely strong and stiff which guarantees excellent power transfer. They also feature SPAM;s new ramp/pin/cutout design called X-Glide which doubles the number of ideal shift points and ensures that every shift is precise, fast and smooth. SRAM have once again created a fantastic component in the Truvativ XX BB30 which offers cyclists exceptional performance with a high level of durability unfound on any rival cranksets.

Kore Durox Review

admin — Sun, 08 May 2011 17:40:10 +0000

Founded in 1988 by two passionate cycling enthusiasts, Martin and Charlie Kurke created a company that quickly developed a reputation for creating unique and innovative cycling components. In just under 23 years, Kore have become internationally recognised for creating their originally designed Thrashguard. A lot of Kore’s components are used by both professional and enthusiastic recreational cyclists in every corner of the world and whilst they are renowned for manufacturing their signature product, the Kore Thrashguard, they do develop a wide range of products from handlebars and pedals to seatposts. One of their best product ranges is their innovative crankset range and one of the best cranks produced is the Kore Durox. The Kore Durox has been developed using forged aluminium 7075 that has been shot peen and anodized. The unique design and use of this material has created a fantastic crankset, including the crankarms of the Kore Durox. By using this exceptional material on every aspects of the Kore Durox it has created an extremely strong and sturdy crankset. It is the strength of this Kore Durox which ensures that it is one of the most durable cranksets and our intensive tests showed that it is able to withstand an incredible amount of robust use and wear. Making the Kore Durox one of the most durable and reliable cranks available to riders on the market today. While the overall strength of the Kore Durox crankset has created durability, our tests also showed that the strength of the crankset meant it did not flex, even during intensive pedalling during steep inclines. The strength and rigidity of the crankset, in particular the crankarms guaranteed that power was efficiently transferred at all times, which greatly improved a cyclist’s performance. The chainrings of the Kore Durox have been created using forged aluminium 7075 with stainless steel pins, this perfect combination of material and design ensured that the crankset efficiently shifts through all ratios smoothly and quietly. The Kore Durox also features sealed cartridge ball bearings which help to ensure that the crankset is durable as well as spinning effortlessly and smoothly. The only fault our testers identified was the weight of the Kore Durox, which weighs 960 grams with the bottom bracket, making the crankset slightly heavier than other components on the market. However, this single drawback of the crankset has meant that it does possesses a high level of strength and rigidity that guarantees effective power transfer and greatly improves a cyclist performance.

SRAM XX BB30 Review

admin — Sun, 08 May 2011 08:36:43 +0000

Founded in 1987, SRAM have quickly become a recognisable cycling component manufacturer. SRAM are dedicated to creating the best possible components that have been made from the best material, created using the latest technology and are performance enhancing. Looking through their previous ranges and their latest products it is fair to say that SRAM have succeeded. Looking also at all of their components you can instantly see the company’s passion for cycling and dedication to producing the best products. And no product in the SRAM range shows this than their SRAM XX BB30 crankset. This component is going to revolutionise the way other manufacturers produce the bottom bracket. SPRAM have explained that the bottom bracket of the SRAM XX BB30 is a complete reinvention of the standard bracket. This pioneering component presses the bearing directly into an oversized BB shell, eliminating the need for external or internal BB cups. More importantly, this new innovative redesign creates a more rigid bottom bracket which our testers explained was instantly noticeable from the first pedal. The stiffness of the bottom bracket, crankarms and strong carbon fibre spider of the SRAM XX BB30 has guaranteed efficient power transfer between the cyclist and road, greatly improving the overall performance of the cyclist especially during competitive races. Additionally, the bottom bracket’s special redesign has produced more heel and ankle clearance preventing any discomfort caused by continual contact. The SRAM XX BB30 features SRAM pioneering aluminium PowerGlide chainrings has been specially designed to prevent flex whilst also effectively channelling power for an improved cycling performance. The chainrings also offer professional, precise, smooth and fast shifting through all ratios. Another great aspect of the SRAM XX BB30 is its lightness, using light weight carbon and aluminium has shaved a remarkable amount of weight off of the crankset which while aiding the cyclist’s performance, especially when cycling up steep inclines, also makes it one of the lightest cranksets available on the market today. Our testers agreed that the SRAM XX BB30 is very strong, good looking and very responsive, making it the perfect choice for competitive cyclists.

RaceFace Deus Review

admin — Sat, 07 May 2011 15:04:38 +0000

Leading manufacturer Raceface has once again produced a fantastic cycling component which possesses a range of features that every cyclist at any level will appreciate. The RaceFace Deus has become an instant classic; its new design has been created using light machined 7050 aluminium which gives the crankset a high quality look as well as creating one of the lightest aluminium cranksets available to cyclists today. The crankset features a newly improved design that includes crank arms which have a minimal profile, making the Deus an ideal choice for cross country racers. The unique I-Beam profile design and the construction of the crankset have made it extremely strong as well as stiff. Our testers explained that the rigidity of the crankset could be felt in the first pedal, with the maximum amount of energy transferred to the road. With no energy lost during intensive cycling session it is apparent that the RaceFace Deus is definitely performance enhancing. The Deus CBC machined chainrings which feature stainless steel shifting pins and ramps ensure that the Deus shifts faultlessly. Our tests showed that the crankset shifted precisely and quietly during all cycling conditions. One of the best upgrades of the new RaceFace Deus is the Phil Wood grease filled ball bearings, which helps to eliminates friction and guarantees an extremely smooth ride. Additionally, the bearings along with the strength of the crankset ensure that the Deus is extremely durable and requires little maintenance. One of the best aspects of the RaceFace Deus is its easy installation for experienced cyclists; with the chainline very easy to install this is due to RaceFace unique spacer system on the bottom bracket. Unfortunately, while the majority of our testers agreed that the Deus was a brilliant crankset, a few of our testers pointed out a few faults in the RaceFace Deus, the main fault being that the bottom bracket can seize up after several miles of use. Despite this fault, however, all of our testers agreed that the strength and stiffness of the RaceFace Deus cannot be found on any other crankset available on today’s market.

Octane One D2 Review

admin — Sat, 07 May 2011 09:02:57 +0000

Octane have been leading the cycling component market for the last few years, their commitment to create advanced projects that have been created using the most modern techniques and use the latest materials, which is why a great number of professional and recreational cyclists use Octane products. Each one of their products is specially designed by their in-house development teams and is rigorously tested to ensure that the final product is faultless. All of Octane’s products perform to a high standard and one of their best components is the Octane One D2. This pioneering crankset has been manufactured using high quality 6061 aluminium while the One D2 also features tremendously strong alloy 7075 cranksarms. Couple together this creates an extremely light and unbelievably tough crankset. More importantly, this unique combination of materials has created rigidity to the One D2, unfound on any other crankset creating an unbelievable amount of power transfer between the cyclist and the road. With no energy lost at any point our testers agreed that it noticeably improved a cyclist’s performance from the first pedal. Our testers also explained that the lightness of the crankset, which weighs a mere 750 grams also improved their performance and ensured that riding steeper inclines was a lot easier when compared to other heavier and flexible cranksets. The Octane One D2 also includes steel 32t and 22t chainrings, these chianrings are extremely durable as well as offering smooth and precise shifts between all ratios. These new line of cranksets also comes complete with 32t and 22t sprocket offering an improved level of protection and durability to the One D2. Further protection is created with the new PC transparent guard, which whilst protecting the crankset also enhances the cranksets design. The design of the One D2 is one of its unique features, available in a variety of colours including sleek black, clean white, fiery red and ice-cold blue any cyclists frame will be instantly updated by the One D2. The Octance One D2 is an ISIS type crankset that is high performing and durable and is ideal for a variety of cyclists including dirt, park, road, 4x, freeride or slopestyle, making the One D2 one of the most versatile cranksets available on the market today.

Controltech Double Play Review

admin — Fri, 06 May 2011 20:33:56 +0000

Located in the Northwest region of the United States, ControlTech is the leading American manufacturer of cycling components. Founded in 1989 they have quickly grown and developed a reputation for creating some of the best new designs in cycling components. While their development team continually research and develop new materials and manufacturing techniques to ensure that ControlTech’s products are made from the best material and possess a high quality finish. This fantastic reputation has ensured that the company now distribute their original products all around the world, in particular within Europe. One of their best products which are used by cyclists around the world is the ControlTech Double Play, which possesses a range of features unfound on any other crankset. However, it is the unique design of the Double Play which impressed our testers. ControlTech’s crankset feature their new Double Play design; this pioneering component is the first of its kind which features a double ring setup. ControlTech have explained that this revolutionary design offers riders as many, if not more, usable gears as a 27 speed drivetrain and after intensive testing we agree that it does exactly as promised. This pioneering product is extremely comfortable due to the complete redesign of the crankset, rather than the modification of a triple crankset, the crankset possess a perfectly measured Q factor guaranteeing that riders can enjoy longer rides in the saddle without feeling any strain. The ControlTech Double Play is also ultra light weighing 725 grams in total, making it one of the lightest crankset available to enthusiastic cyclists. The lightness of this crankset has been achieved due to its lightweight 3K full carbon fibre composition arms and spider, while the chainrings have been created using lightweight Aluminium 7075 alloy. Both of these features whilst remaining light offer an unbelievable level of rigidity that guarantees efficient power transfer between the cyclist and the road. The ControlTech Double Play is the perfect crankset choice for cross-country rides and will provide them with a durable, high performing component ideal for passionate cyclists who want to be first across the finishing line.

FSA Gravity Light Review

admin — Fri, 06 May 2011 13:47:55 +0000

International manufacturer of cycling components Full Speed Ahead (FSA) have developed some of the most pioneering cycling components used by professional athletes and enthusiastic recreational cyclist all around the world. One of their most pioneering products is the FSA Gravity Light crankset, created using an ultra light design the Gravity Light features the latest Hollow Forged Aluminium AL6061/T6 crankarms which offer the perfect equilibrium of strength to weight ratio ensuring that the crankset whilst being lighter than most cranksets at 950 grams including bottom bracket, is extremely strong and can easily withstand the weight of heavier riders. Additionally, the hollow forged arms unique design also offers the rider an unbelievable level of rigidity, guaranteeing that any power produced on the pedal is directly transferred to the track. The crankset also features FSA single row ball bearings ensuring that the crankset spins smoothly and is extremely durable. The inner chainrings have been created using strong steel, while the outer chainrings are alloy; both chainrings glide into shifts effortlessly and quietly, although our testers said that they ran out of gears at the top end on the standard 22/32T. As with the other aspects of this component the chainrings are extremely stiff, guaranteeing that power is efficiently transfer to the road. While our tested commented on the Gravity Light’s bottom bracket offering rigidity at all times improving the performance and handle of the crankset, the additional lip seal provided an additional layer of defence to the bottom bracket making it extremely durable. One of the first things we noticed about FSA Gravity Light is their unique high quality look; it is undeniable that they are aesthetically pleasing and their unique look ensures that every other rider will know you are riding the incredible FSA Gravity Light. This fantastic crankset is one of the best available for riders; its strong build makes it the ideal crankset for mountain biking while the lightness and rigidity ensures that the Gravity Light is a competition winning design.

Funn Hooka MX Review

admin — Fri, 06 May 2011 07:55:51 +0000

Funn Hooka a relatively new cycling component manufacturer, however, their affordable products include a wide range of features are ensuring that they are quickly building an excellent reputation among professional and recreational cyclists around the world. Their latest product release is the Funn Hooka MX crankset, designed specifically for BMX racing; the crankset has been created using the highest quality, extremely strong Aluminium 7050 TG and our tests upon handling them commented on how strong this crankset felt. The Funn Hooka MX also features AL6061-T6 crankarms; the strong combinations of aluminium guarantee an unparalleled level of strength making them durable and ideal for those tough BMX courses. More importantly, the Funn Hooka MX perfect combination of material has created a crankset that is extremely stiff, no flex could been seen during intensive pedalling and all of the power pushed into the pedal goes directly to the back wheel. And it is because of this rigidity that no power is lost at any point of the ride guaranteeing that riders can reach ludicrous speeds declining, inclining or when riding on flats. The speed reached on these crankset is further aided by the low weight, weighing 615 grams the Funn Hooka MX is one of the lightest available on the market to date for BMX riders; however, despite its low weight they are extremely sturdy. Unlike a lot of BMX cranksets the Funn Hooka MX comes with a steel pedal insert, while this unique feature reduces the chances of stripping the threads it also can be replaced. One of the main aspects of the Funn Hooka MX which are testers appreciated was its easy installation. No poorly cut threads, strange interfaces or strange plastic tools can be found on this crankset. Instead the crankset mounted easily using a 10mm allen bolt and riders were assured that they had the crankset on correctly by the defined bottom out point of the spindle, this easy installation ensured that riders were back on the track in record time. Overall, the Funn Hooka MX is a fantastic, easily affordable ISIS crankset but you need to be very brave to use this crankset because you will reach blistering speeds from the first pedal stroke.