5th Axis, a self-described world leader in manufacturing complex components for the aerospace and medical industries, has created a new bicycle componentry division, 5 Dev. The brand are already selling some seriously wild-looking 7075 aluminium MTB and eMTB cranksets, as well as a 6061-T6 alloy flat pedal for enduro, but the most exciting component is still to come. January 1st will see the release of a limited production run of the 5 Dev Titanium Stem, weighing a claimed 110g…
5 Dev Ti Stem
That 110g claimed weight is for a 35mm diameter clamp 32mm reach stem. In addition to the careful, artful machining that shaves grams from non-load bearing locations, the pinch clamp design of this titanium stem is a major factor that has allowed 5 Dev to keep the weight down. As a result, the maximum bar rise it can accommodate is 30mm.
From what we can gather from the 5 Dev Instagram account, the brand do have a more traditional 4-bolt design in the works that will take higher rise bars. Though, that one is unlikely to be machined from Titanium due to the weight. It looks like the 5 Dev Ti Stem will be launched as that 35mm clamp 32mm reach model initially, but i’m sure we’ll see a 31.8mm design from them in the not too distant future. In the meantime, take a look at this fresh drop on their YouTube channel, where Chris Taylor, co-founder of 5th Axis, takes us through some of the key stages in the development of the Ti Stem.
The 35mm clamp 5 Dev Titanium stem will retail at $349.99 USD.
5 Dev Cranks and eCranks
5 Dev’s space-grade aluminum cranks are machined from 7075 billet aluminium, engineered for aggressive trail, enduro/park and DH style riding. They run a 130mm spindle length (30mm and 29mm diameters) and are compatible only with SRAM 3-Bolt direct mount chain rings.
5 Dev are offering crank arm lengths of 160mm, 165mm, 170mm and 175mm for now, with the claimed wight of a 170mm crankset (30mm spindle) coming in at 500g. Installed Q-Factor is 167mm. Pick up a set for $499.99 USD.
5 Dev are also busy machining eCranks for the rigors of eMTB, compatible with Shimano, Bosch and Specialized motors. These ones have a Q-Factor of 182mm when installed, and are available only in the shorter lengths of 160mm and 165mm. Claimed weights are 440g and 446g, respectively, with hardware included. Pick up a set for $399.99 USD.
Check out this quick clip of the 5 Dev eCranks being machined into existence inside the 5th Axis CNC Machine…
