Introducing The New Cobalt, Iodine, And Opium Wheelsets From Crankbrothers

When the founders of crankbrothers, Carl and Frank (get it? Carl + Frank = crank), first began developing a wheelset back in 2005, they wanted to create a wheel that had a more thoughtful design. In order to make something that is either stronger at the same weight, or lighter at the same strength, you have to use materials in a better, more efficient way. Carl and Frank wanted to completely pair up the spokes because paired spokes form a triangle, and triangles are the strongest geometric shape. This thought process lead to the design of the iconic and unique ::twinpair spoke wheelset, which was originally launched in 2008. Since then, we have continued updating the wheel design based on athlete feedback. In 2010, the 2nd generation wheelsets were launched with a new freehub design. Now, we are excited to share the newest generation of crankbrothers wheels.

Introducing the new cobalt, iodine, and opium wheelsets from crankbrothers.

Over the last two years, the engineers at crankbrothers have been focused on improving our wheel collection by redesigning the rim profile. With a design focused on strength : weight, the new rim profile is tuned for durability, lateral stiffness, and vertical compliance. We partnered with some of the world’s best athletes during our development and testing process to ensure that our wheelsets will exceed the demands of the most discerning and aggressive riders. With the addition of a 27.5 diameter, reduced prices on level 2 and 3 wheels, and full axle compatibility, the crankbrothers wheelset collection is an ideal upgrade to any mountain bike. As Hans Rey says, “crankbrothers wheels have been my loyal companions on many rides in the most remote corners of the globe.” Where will crankbrothers wheels take you?

“When we test new wheels, we train, practice, and race on the prototypes in all kinds of real world situations. The wheels get used hard, maintained, and replaced, so we can see where the weakest points are and report our findings and feelings on performance. The original MY 2008 opium wheels were pretty good for entering the DH wheel market for the first time. There were a few flaws with the freehub bodies, but those issues were resolved in the next generation hub. The MY 2010 opium wheels had the hub figured out, but the rims were too weak. This lead to a total redesign of the rim for MY 2014. Everything was considered: rim width, shape, height, material, joining, etc. With the redesign, we wanted a better seal for tubeless, more stability, a black option, as well as a rim that wasn't so hard and stiff it would flat, but that it could also hold up in rocks and big hits. These wheels have held up amazing with both tubes and tubeless, on a wide variety of terrain at speeds and under pressure. I think crankbrothers found a balance with the stiffness and width that takes impacts really well.”
- Jill Kintner, Norco International DH Team

Over the last 2 years, the engineers at crankbrothers have been focused on improving our wheel collection by redesigning the rim profile. With a design focused on strength : weight, the new rim profile is tuned for durability, lateral stiffness, and vertical compliance. We accomplished this by focusing on three key design elements in the rim profile: 1) internal lateral widths have been increased by 2mm on each model, 2) all sidewalls are 1.7mm lower, and 3) all rim depths have increased. We also focused on reducing weight in four key areas, including removing the original central I-beam, tapering sidewall thickness, reducing bead hook width, and reducing sidewall height. The reduced bead hook width and sidewall height, along with the curved tire well and non-perforated tire bed, also make the wheels incredibly easy to setup tubeless. After thorough FEA stress analysis, extensive machine testing, and hours of ride testing, we are certain that you can have confidence in the new collection of crankbrothers wheelsets.

Tech Specs

USGP of Mountain Biking Postponed Indefinitely

Dear Mountain Bike Friends,
 
After much reflection, I have decided to postpone the US Grand Prix of Mountain Biking until further notice.  I wanted to thank everyone for their continued support through my time with the Pro GRT and into the USGP of Mountain Biking.  Unfortunately, my plans to help rebuild the US race scene by combining downhill, enduro & other disciplines have yet to bear fruit.   Although I do believe that program I developed can be & will be successful, it will have to wait until a further time.

Don’t worry…  I’ll still be around.  You can’t get rid of me that easily!   I will continue to grow my race team - the “ARMA Energy MTB” professional mountain bike team – into one of the premier race teams from the U.S.  In addition to national caliber downhill racing, we will be expanding into Enduro and World Cup racing for the 2014 season.  I will also be focused on my bike shop(s) – the “BIKE VAULT” & “T.RYX Recumbent Trikes” based in Escondido, CA.
 
I urge you to continue to support U.S. racing, as we will be.  Until a true national caliber series can be developed & be sustainable, there are plenty of regional and local events to support.

Thank you all once again for your support.  I will see you at the races!

Best regards,

Jeremiah

George and Neko Both Finish Top 15 at World Cup Finals

Perfect sunny conditions prevailed for the final World Cup race of the 2013 season here in Leogang, Austria, where Trek World Racing’s remaining uninjured downhill riders Neko Mulally (USA) and George Brannigan (NZL) had solid qualifiers Saturday. Neko had a career best qualifier coming in 7th place, and George had top 10 splits on his way down the hill, but 400m from the line had a crash which cost him time. However both riders went into the finals today knowing they had top 10 pace.

George went off about 1 hour before Neko and had a great run going. His run put him into the hot-seat as fastest rider at that point but only after unclipping his foot on the approach to the same corner where he fell in qualifying, crushing the family jewels.

“Yeah that was a pretty uncomfortable way to finish the run, but overall it was going well until then. I’m sure I lost a few seconds and even though I’ve ended up 13th for the day, I was having a solid top 10 run until that mistake. Considering I also hurt my shoulder in the crash yesterday and it wasn’t that good today, I do know the speed’s there and I feel 100% back to my best now”, said George shortly after leaving the hot-seat, where he sat for close to an hour.

Neko was on a great run as well and would have slotted into 3rd at the end of his run, and a guaranteed top 10, but lost 3 seconds in the final sector after making an error while pushing hard.

Neko said: “I knew I was having a great run, perhaps my best ever in World Cup racing and as I got towards the lower section of the course I made the conscious decision to keep pushing. Sometimes it’s easier to back off when you’ve had a great run for most of the course, but really great runs only come when you push the whole way. It can be riskier and unfortunately for me I did make that one mistake, but I’m glad I pushed for the result rather than be conservative. Finishing top 15 overall for the season was my goal, and today I achieved that”.

Team Owner Martin Whiteley summed up the Downhill season. “Injury definitely played a big part in our 2013 season. Aside from George’s knee recovery which we were aware of coming into the season, Brook’s shoulder injury before Andorra had a big impact for us. Then with Greg fracturing his collarbone and separating his shoulder in South Africa, it made for a tough time. Having said that, we have an awesome group of riders and there is strong team unity, and for me that’s very positive. Neko and George have done a great job these last 2 World Cup races and I know we’ll be back very strong in 2014.”

Next month Neko and Greg are planning to race in Mexico at the Taxco Downhill, and some other events may be announced in the coming days.

HC Racer

HC Racer are proud to announce the sponsorship of Elite rider and World Cup DH regular Jono Jones. Having represented GB in last years Junior World Championships, 19 year old Jono has moved up to Elite for 2013 and will be their dedicated cameraman on the UCI World Cup circuit and British Downhill Series.

This signing means that HC Racer will be creating it’s own dedicated content from all of the World Cups and British Downhill Series races that Jono attends. As well as capturing footage himself, such as this run from Fort William, Jono will also be arranging for guest riders to mount up and capture the action, the first guest rider being Brendan Fairclough at Vallnord, Andora.

This will give viewers the unique perspective of seeing the season through the eyes of the riders, watch the highs and lows of his season and follow his journey as he’s hungry for success, on HCRacer.com.

Season Goals

"Top 30 World Cup and top 10 National results in the first half of the season! After the worst beginning to a season I’ve ever had, with countless mechanicals and crashes in my race runs, I’ve pushed those forward to the second half of the season and hope, by keeping it rubber side down, I’ll manage to achieve this" Jono Jones."

What Is HC Racer?

HC Racer is the home of downhill helmet cam footage. They are tirelessly working away to gather you the best action from around the globe for your enjoyment and now with their first sponsored rider onboard, they are creating it as well!
 
In the beginning they will be creating and collating the best footage, but the site is set to grow! Currently, site creator Jamie Dyer is locked in a dark room coding in order to bring with you a truly unique site, that is set to be a true cycling multimedia community. Soon you will be able to get involved, find the best trails, improve your lines and learn from the best.

CHECK OUT HC RACER HERE

Two Top 15 Results at World Champs As Brook McDonald Retires from Season 2013

21 year old George Brannigan had his best ever result at a World Championship today here in Pietermaritzburg when he took 13th place, just one spot ahead of team mate Neko Mulally. The two riders looked solid all week and were happy with their performances on the demanding South African track. Meanwhile Brook MacDonald, who had earlier this week decided to end his season after this event so he can return home for important shoulder surgery, was unlucky to clip a tree and lose time, settling for 24th place.

For MacDonald the decision to return home has not been easy, but after getting further advice on the rotator cuff tear in his left shoulder, it's clear that he needs immediate surgery ahead of a recovery period of a few months. With an earlier start to the next World Cup season in 2014, the team supports Brook's decision to head home.

George, who himself has been on the road to recovery since he had knee surgery after season 2012, has been steadily rising back to his top form in recent races.

George said: "Both here and at Crankworx I've started to feel like my old self again. I thought it would only take a couple of races to get up to speed, but it has taken a fair bit longer. This is my best result ever on this track and I'm now really looking forward to one of my favourites, Hafjell in Norway in a couple of weeks".

Neko said: "When I arrived at the finish line today I was a little disappointed with myself because I still had some gas left in the tank. I needed to attack a little more and I guess that was the difference between 14th and a top 10. I'm still happy though and have learned from today's experience".

Both George and Neko will head to Norway in 2 weeks for Round 5 of the World Cup.