German CNC mountain bike specialists Actofive Cycles slash the value of their beautifully-machined cranks in half with the brand new Signature X crankset. That’s as a result of the brand new Signature X takes benefit of a extra standard 1-piece development for every arm. The change considerably simplifies their CNC-machined development and improves sturdiness on the identical time, whereas including simply 90g total.
Plus, take a look at Actofive’s up to date I-Practice path bike, too – now made much more in-house…
Actofive Signature X extra inexpensive CNC-machined MTB crankset
Actofive makes a variety of superb, intricately-machined aluminum bikes and elements. Nevertheless it isn’t misplaced on them that each one that growth, machining& hand-assembly time means the pricing is out of attain of most cyclists. At 800€ for Signature crankset – their “most inexpensive” part providing till now – founder Simon Metzner says he usually has individuals inform him, “you make stunning bikes and cranks, however I’m by no means going to think about shopping for them.”
So Simon got down to make his Signature cranks extra inexpensive – whereas nonetheless maintaining them below a 600g light-weight threshold.
What’s new?
To try this, Actofive machines the Signature X crank arms from a single piece of aluminum. On the surface that appears precisely just like the hole clamshell Signature cranks. They usually can share the identical slip-on protecting crank boots. However by rigorously designing, then machining out solely the bottom, the Signature X cranks require lower than half as a lot machining time and in addition no want for bonding two halves collectively.
The tip result’s that the brand new cranks are virtually as mild at simply 570g (with no chainring or BB). And since they don’t have two items glued collectively, they’re extra sturdy too.
Influence power was one other driver for growing the brand new cranks. Actofive says that their UCI EDR racing professional Vojta Bláha did handle to truly injury the unique Signature cranks, by bashing the tip of the arms into rocks at tremendous excessive speeds. They didn’t break aside like we’ve seen with all of the latest Shimano highway scare, however wanted to get replaced after a number of intense World Cups. Now, Bláha has shifted to racing on the brand new Signature X crankset, reassured by the extra sturdy development.
Tech particulars
The brand new Actofive Signature X crankarms are completely CNC-machined in one-piece in Dresden, Germany from “high-strength aluminum”. They characteristic 168mm Q-factor within the lengthy spindle mountain bike variant or 161.5mm Q-factor in a brief spindle model for 1x gravel & cyclocross bikes.
The crankset is 1x particular with a SRAM 3-bolt direct mount chainring interface, and built-in self-extractor. It incorporates a 29MM diameter spindle suitable with SRAM DUB backside brackets, and features a CNC-machined BB pre-loader ring.
The brand new Actofive Signature X cranks are EFBE TRI-TEST licensed in response to ASTM F2043-13 / EN 17406 CAT 5. Meaning DH certification, examined for much more gravity abuse than the unique Signature cranks. Trip them for gravel, cyclocross, XC, path, enduro, and DH.
Actofive Signature X cranks – Pricing, choices & availability
The brand new made-in-Germany Actofive Signature X crankset retails for 390€ (together with VAT), accessible with MTB Increase or CX/Gravel spindle lengths. Like all the things else from Actofive, the brand new cranks formally are available restricted productions runs. The following run is slated for December 2023 supply, with pre-orders opening any day now. However since these are way more inexpensive than the usual Signature cranks, we count on there to be larger numbers of the Xes. Fingers crossed.
The Signature X comes commonplace in 170mm lengths and in 4 or 5 inventory colours per run. Decide from uncooked, silver, black, purple & blue for instance. Extra colours are within the works, like a grey that Simon isn’t fairly pleased with but. Of observe is the uncooked end which is definitely extra shiny than anodized silver. You’ll be able to’t do the clamshell Signature cranks in uncooked due to unfavourable results of oxidation on the bonding. However you may with the brand new 1-piece Signature X cranks.
Actofive can even make them in customized lengths between 160-180mm in case you get in contact. And in case you aren’t in an enormous hurry.
The Signature Xes embody protecting crank boots. Matching Signature chainrings add an additional between 119-149€, relying on dimension.
First Rides on the brand new Actofive Signature X cranks
We’ve rolled out of the Bespoked present with a Bitter Crumble path hardtail check bike. And it’s kitted out with these new Actofive Signature X cranks. They usually already received a bit moist & soiled on my native trails.
Thus far, I’ve managed to maintain from smashing them into any rocks. (And I don’t have the protecting boots on my check cranks.) They usually actually look fairly. However although I don’t plan to bash them into rocks like a professional enduro racer, it’s reassuring that they may probably stand as much as any rock gardens I discover alongside the best way.
And whereas not precisely low cost, they appear like a strong worth for a premium light-weight alloy crankset constructed to resist abuse.
Up to date Actofive I-Practice CNC-machined path bike
Since we first caught up with their shorter-travel 4-bar I-Practice final spring, Actofive has been methods to make extra of the bike in-house. After they began constructing the bike earlier this yr, Simon of Actofive selected to make use of a welded aluminum rear triangle produced by Nicolai, additionally made in Germany. That unique alternative was to assist get the I-Practice out the door in a well timed method.
However Simon finally needed to machine extra of the bike as quickly as growth and manufacturing capacities would permit.
That point is now.
Going ahead, new I-Trains will characteristic a CNC-machined set of hollow-back seatstays. The replace doesn’t impression efficiency per se. Nevertheless it creates a extra unified aesthetic just like the P-Practice. Now, with a straight line from the rocker again to the drop out. It additionally means a extra constant look. The brand new stays would be the very same anodized colour because the entrance triangle – one thing you may’t do with totally different alloys for machining and welding. Meaning the still-Nicolai-made chainstays shall be a contrasting colour.
No change in worth or availability. An I-Practice body package begins at 5450€ with a 12-20 week lead time.
