Skip to main content

DMR Axe crankset


CONSIDERING THE HUGE amount of experience some of the other brands here have when it comes to making cranks, DMR have done an amazing job producing the set that consistently impressed us most.

There’s more shared between the Turn and DMR cranks than just their UK distributor. The broad arm profiles are similar, and the fixed-and-bolted attachment hardware between the arms and the stepped 30mm to 28mm axle are identical. The DMR cranks are shallower though, which means they don’t sting your feet as much across rock gardens. They’re still more than stiff enough for the biggest cornering G-pullers or pedal-bending sprinters though, and the 30g weight loss means a closer match to the SRAM and Shimano competition.

While the dimensions and oversize alloy axle are shared, DMR have flipped the attachment ends so that the driveside arm is now the removable one. That makes it much easier to change the direct-mount rings. The scalloped three-bolt attachment is compatible with all SRAM-style direct-mount rings and spiders too, making the separate arms (210$) and ring (60$) system even more versatile. The Praxis BBs that the Axes are compatible with are our benchmark for easy ‘any frame’ installation and smooth durability too, completing a triumphant surprise win debut for the renowned UK dirt jump and hardcore riding brand.

WEIGHT: 661g
ARMS: 165, 170, 175mm

Price 270$

Labels

Popular posts from this blog

Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

READ MORE >>

Chromag HiFi 35 (50mm) stem

This is a seriously solid stem. Chromag use 5mm Allen bolts throughout, which makes it that bit easier to fit because you don’t have to swap tools. Once torqued up to the recommended 6-8Nm, it clamps both steerer and bar solidly, with no appreciable flex. We couldn’t get it to twist on the steerer, either in our static test or when riding. It’s also available in a 35mm length and three other colours. At 204g the HiFi is the heaviest stem on test by some margin, despite being one of the more expensive offerings here. Price $112

READ MORE >>

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>

COMMENCAL EL CAMINO 3

Commencal are going from strength to strength at the moment and they’ve taken their tough trail hardtail bang up to date with 650b wheels. With its skinny rims, crankset and fork, the El Camino certainly isn’t perfect and it’s the least hardcore bike here. The handling, smoothness, speed and all-round agility of the basic bike still make it a real blast for technical trail riding though, and it’s a great base for upgrading over time.

READ MORE >>

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

READ MORE >>