For the first time ever, Hope has created a two-piece hollow CNC-machined crankset, and it’s made especially for gravel cyclists. This was no easy feat, and the construction method is something to be seen (video and pics below), but it wasn’t all they had to show off at Eurobike 2019!
Hope RX hollow CNC gravel cranks
Hope isn’t the first to make a hollow bonded crankset, but this is the first we’ve seen with a sleeved box design that completely overlaps the sidewalls to create a massive bonding surface. Here’s how they do it:
In the pic above, the bottom and center piece are machined independently to create the two halves of the crank arm. This is what hollows out the middle. The smaller piece is then flipped and inserted into he base and a bonding agent cures them. The small ports on either end allows excess glue to come out.
Once it’s cured, the entire structure is machined to achieve the final shape.
The result is a hollow, lightweight crankset that comes in at a claimed 510g including a direct-mount 5-bolt spider! Or, pair it with new 38/40/43/44 direct mount chainrings for an overall lighter set up. It uses their 30mm spindle and will come in 170/172.5/175mm lengths. Color options are black, blue, red, silver, purple and orange. Available in October for €374/£300.
New Hope XC stems and brakes
Hope has had a shorter, more “all mountain” stem for years, but now they have a proper XC stem in 70mm and 90mm lengths. Both have a 0º rise and are machined from 2014-T6 aluminum.
They’ll come in the same colors as the RX gravel cranks, as do all of their components. Price is €120/£95 with standard bolts, but a titanium bolt upgrade will be available Claimed weight is 124g for the 70mm with ti bolts.
Smaller and lighter than the standard Hope X2 caliper, the new X2 Flat Mount option saves a few grams for compatible XC mountain bikes.
Hope’s also made oversized brake rotors for years, but now they’ve standardized their options to a single 220mm size, offering adapters to fit post-mount frames. Why? Because eMTB and 29er downhill mountain bikes can use all the stopping power they can get, and bigger rotors are an easy way to achieve it.
Brake hacks for special needs
This dual brake started life as two separate Hope brake levers, ordered by a customer with special needs. He modified the system to put both on a single side, and Hope was so impressed, they decided to bring that person on board to help them create something even better.
The result is this single unit housing two master cylinders and two independently adjustable levers.
They even machined a custom SRAM lever mount for those who need to get all of the controls onto the left side. Or they can reverse it (with mirrored lever shapes) and put it all on the right.
e-Bike cranks that aren’t lame
If there’s one thing that’s usually not so flashy about e-bikes, it’s the cranks. With six colors to choose from, you can now upgrade your Brose/Specialized bikes and others using the ISIS spline pattern. They’re only available in 165mm lengths, which is common for eMTB since you’re getting extra “leverage” from the motor assist. They’re spaced extra wide, offering a Q-factor and clearance that should work with most bikes and drive systems, but they have a fit guide on their website so you can be sure. Retail is €225/£175.
Hope isn’t the only aftermarket brand working on e-crank upgrades, BTW…stay tuned to all of our Eurobike coverage!
