Like their XC focused REX cranks, the new Hawk and Raptors cranksets are completely machined to get optimize strength and weight, but the new cranks end up with a look much different that that we’ve seen from Rotor before. In order to make sure the new mountain bike cranks survive the thrashing that enduro bikes have to deal with, Rotor has developed a set of molded rubber bumpers that protect the cranks from impacts and offer a bit of customization. While we’ve seen some other solutions that slide over the end of carbon cranks, Rotor has taken this a big step farther with both a large protector around the end of the crank and pedal spindle, and a second farther up the arm for bigger rock impacts…
Both the Hawk and Raptor build on Rotor’s philosophy of light & rigid, but with a bit more modularity thrown in for good measure. Both crankarm sets use the same 30mm spindle size of most of Rotor’s cranks, but these use a separate axle that will let them be built up for varying axle lengths across multiple trail riding disciplines. That means the same crank is easy to adapt for standard or Boost spacing, and can also be adapted for DH (or maybe in the future fat standards too?)
Axle lengths available now are standard mountain spacing with a 164mm Q-factor and 51mm chainline. Step that up to a 170mm Q and 54mm chainline for Boost, or 179mm Q-factor for DH. The 30mm spindle also preserves the same compatibility of their other cranks with BBright, BB30, PF30, and BSA bottom brackets.
Chainrings also are modular and come separate, so there will be direct mount single rings only for now (although possibly dual rings spiders in the future). Rotor has built in initial compatibility with their new elliptical QX1 direct mount rings, available from 26-34T options. The new rings use Rotor’s non-round Optimum Chainring Position tech, and can be swapped quickly with just a single 8mm allen key. The non-driveside crank uses a bearing preload adjuster that screws on, once everything is in place.
The Hawk crank uses a more thoroughly machined design with Rotor’s signature hole bored completely through the center for lighter weight. It claims a 665g weight complete, including a 30T Q-ring.
The Raptor will be a bit heavier with single width, post-machined recesses on the inside of the arms, and without the longitudinal bore hole.
All of the cranks come in a black anodized finish with laser etched graphics, but the rubber protectors come in 7 colors, including a low-key black for those who aren’t trying to stand out. The other colors include bright neon yellow, orange, red, pink, blue, and green. Both sets of cranks will be available in 165, 170 & 175mm length options.
In addition to the non-round QX1 direct mount rings just for their own new cranks, Rotor also will offer rings for SRAM GXP, BB30, and RaceFace Cinch. They will come in 30, 32 & 34T options for now, and keep a standard chainline.
