It seemed Crankworx Whistler was off to a slow start this year, but as the big final weekend approaches, things are picking up. More expo booths are appearing in the village every day, and we’ve already sniffed out some interesting new MTB products, prototypes and brands.
Below, we’ll check out three new developments from Chromag, including sneak peeks at prototype DH and 32” wheeled bikes. We also checked out two new companies from Canada: Hailing from Alberta is Arkoza, whose debut product is artfully machined eMTB crank arms. Last up is Hail Nutrition, based in the MTB haven of Squamish, B.C. Hail’s first offering is their lemon drink mix, which keeps athletes fueled with carbs, electrolytes, and more.
Chromag DH and 32” Prototypes, Stainless Steel Surface Voyager:
Chromag hosted the Chromatic art show during Crankworx, but they surprised everyone in attendance by displaying two prototype bikes plus a new twist on an existing model. There was plenty of art and interesting stuff to check out at the show, but the prototype bikes were a real treat to see.
Sitting in the first room was a prototype downhill bike. I was told building a DH bike was the logical next step for Chromag: following the recently released Throwdown enduro bike, it completes their full-suspension lineup. I also learned that this bike is definitely going into production; it’s just a matter of when.
Not much info was listed about the DH bike, but here’s what we do know. First up, the front end is made of chromoly, and the rear end is aluminum. The bike is built around MX wheels, and the prototype’s seat stays have a removable bridge that presumably will control how much the rear end flexes. Aside from that, the one detail I found interesting was a bottle cage mount. Perhaps Chromag figures riders would appreciate having a water bottle handy while shredding bike parks.
I’m sure a lot of people will get fired up about the 32” hardtail prototype, but this one is a long way from production, if it ever happens. The frame was built up as a curiosity, and since Chromag doesn’t even have a 32” fork yet (there are 3D printed adapters bolted to the fork just to get the bike assembled), no-one has ridden the bike yet.
The frame is made of chromoly, features a double top tube, and was built just up the highway in Pemberton, B.C.
Finally, this Chromag Surface Voyager is something new too. The Surface Voyager is an existing aggressive adventure/gravel bike, but the current model is only available in chromoly. The one displayed here is built from stainless steel! It was too early for me to get details about how the stainless frame would ride compared to the chromoly version, but one advantage of stainless steel is the super durable finish. It sounds like this one is headed for production at some point, but possibly in limited numbers.
Arkoza:
Arkoza is a new company based in Edmonton, Alberta. They just launched in June, and their first product is the COR eMTB crank arms. The arms are designed and manufactured in Canada.
Built for eMTBs, the main feature of the crank arms is how little material there is around the top of the pedal boss. Seeking to reduce crank strikes, the arms have thin enough ends that a pedal will usually hit a rock or root before the crank arm does. The ends of the arms protrude less than a clipless pedal, and roughly the same as a thin flat pedal.
The black crank arm pictured here was ridden throughout the Mega Volt eMTB event earlier this year, and there are no scratches or dings on it.
The cranks are CNC machined from 7075 aluminum, and boast a design driven by computer programs. The computer optimizes the shape of the crank for strength, and determines where material can be removed. The resemblance to 5 DEV’s crank arms isn’t lost on Arkoza, but they share similarities because triangles are strong! Arkoza’s eye-catching cranks are more shapely and elaborately machined than 5 DEV’s arms.
Arkoza is bringing advanced manufacturing techniques to the table already. Borrowed from Alberta’s oil industry, they utilize thread clipping on the crank’s pedal bosses and the end cap threads. Thread clipping basically flattens the first part of the thread, making it easier to initiate the thread and the crank more resistant to cross-threading.
The cranks come in two models – The COR-IS cranks have an ISIS spindle compatible with Bosch, Specialized, Avinox and Aventon motors. The COR-ET model fits the Fazua Ride 60 motor. Arm length options are 155mm, 160mm and 165mm. The cranks come in Black or Clear anodized finishes. Weights for the COR-IS model range from 453-476g, and the ET models come in at 404-426g.
Regular MSRP for the cranks is $564 USD, but this summer they’re selling for a launch price of $423. Throughout the summer, free shipping is also offered to Canada and the USA.
Hail Nutrition:
Hail Nutrition is a new company from Squamish, B.C. that started up about six months ago. Local trail runner Adam Wright is the creator of Hail drink mix, the brand’s first product.
There’s one flavour of Hail drink mix available so far: lemon. It is made from natural lemon powder and crafted to be light and easy to drink. The mix provides primarily carbohydrates and electrolytes, but that’s not all…
One serving, which is 54g of drink mix in 500ml of water, provides:
- 200 liquid calories
- 50g carbohydrates (from multiple sources)
- 350mg sodium
- 200mg potassium
- 50mg magnesium
Hail drink mix does not contain caffeine or artificial colors. Hail notes that providing carbs through multiple sources promotes higher carb absorption. For longer or more intense activities, Hail says you can bump up the dose to 3 scoops per 500 mL water (2 scoops equals the 54g recommended above).
Hail drink mix is made in Squamish and has been developed with input from registered dietitians and local athletes. $1 from every sale will be donated to SORCA (Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association) to support trail development and maintenance. MSRP is $29.99 CAD for a 500g package. Shipping is currently available across Canada.
