{"id":54045,"date":"2023-09-05T19:00:10","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T17:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=744957"},"modified":"2023-09-05T19:35:30","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T17:35:30","slug":"first-look-garbaruks-xc-crankset-uses-aluminium-over-carbon-for-lightweight-design","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/first-look-garbaruks-xc-crankset-uses-aluminium-over-carbon-for-lightweight-design\/","title":{"rendered":"First look | Garbaruk\u2019s XC Crankset uses aluminium over carbon for lightweight design"},"content":{"rendered":"

The bonded aluminium cranks are claimed to weigh less than 400g <\/p>

By Tom Law\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 05 September 2023 at 17:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Garbaruk\u2019s new XC Crankset takes a different path from conventional lightweight crank arms, opting for aluminium rather than carbon fibre.<\/p>\n

Designed for cross-country racing<\/a>, Garbaruk claims the new crankset<\/a> is as light as carbon cranksets but keeps the stiffness and reliability of aluminium designs.<\/p>\n

While aluminium cranks are often considered a budget option, the XC Crankset costs \u00a3459\/$420 for the bare crank arms.<\/p>\n

I have a Garbaruk XC Crankset with 170mm arms and a matching 34-tooth oval chainring to see how they perform on the trail.<\/p>\n

Garbaruk XC Crankset<\/h2>\n
\"Garbaruk\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The two sides of each crank arm are machined from aluminium and bonded together.<\/span><\/figcaption> Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Garbaruk XC Crankset weighs a claimed 400g without chainring. That in itself is not unusual. Race Face and E13 offer crank arms under this weight. However, this is still impressive given that Garbaruk\u2019s cranks use aluminium.<\/p>\n

Garbaruk uses a two-piece hollow body design for the crank arms. The two sides of each crank arm are machined from aluminium and are then bonded together.<\/p>\n

The crank arms are broad, which should keep stiffness high. Perhaps as a consequence of this, though, the Q-factor is 170mm. This is wider than the 162mm of Shimano\u2019s XTR M9100, but in between the 168mm or 174mm of SRAM\u2019s XX SL cranks.<\/p>\n

Using aluminium means Garbaruk can anodise the XC Crankset and offer it in several colours, much like its cassettes<\/a>. Riders can choose from one of eight colours for the crank arms and lockrings.<\/p>\n

\"Garbaruk\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Tom has kept it subtle with silver crank arms.<\/span><\/figcaption> Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

My test set features silver arms and black lockrings. Silver may be plain, but it should withstand heel rub better than the other colours.<\/p>\n

The construction of the arms is unusual, but the rest of the crankset is fairly standard.<\/p>\n

The aluminium spindle is 30mm in diameter and 136mm long for a 52mm chainline. This means it\u2019s not fully compatible with SRAM\u2019s new T-Type Transmissions. Garbaruk claims its chainrings are compatible with T-Type chains, so I will try and see how this setup works.<\/p>\n

Garbaruk DM MTB Chainring<\/h2>\n
\"Garbaruk\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The oval DM MTB chainring uses Cannondale\u2019s fitment system.<\/span><\/figcaption> Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Garbaruk\u2019s DM MTB Chainring pairs with the crank arms. The chainring is offered in a range of sizes from 26-36T. Like the crank arms, you can choose from eight colours.<\/p>\n

Unusually, Garbaruk uses Cannondale\u2019s Hollowgram fitment for its chainring. While many brands use SRAM\u2019s 3-bolt standard, Garbaruk\u2019s use of Cannondale\u2019s fitment means your chainring options will be more limited. Even so, the direct mount design means changes should be easy.<\/p>\n

The lockring is a finely machined piece that looks to keep the weight down.<\/p>\n

\"Garbaruk\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The tooth count is debossed on the inside edge of the chainring.<\/span><\/figcaption> Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Garbaruk offers 3mm (boost) or 6mm (standard) offsets and round or oval profiles. I have the 34T oval 3mm offset chainring.<\/p>\n

Garbaruk uses a 108-degree clocking on the oval chainring. Garbaruk claims this provides even pedalling torque at the wheel.<\/p>\n

This should minimise dead spots in your pedal stroke and make riding uphill easier, particularly on soft or slippery terrain.<\/p>\n

\"Garbaruk\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Garbaruk\u2019s name is printed on the chainring.<\/span><\/figcaption> Stan Portus \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As with most single chainrings used in 1x drivetrains<\/a>, Garbaruk uses an alternating narrow-wide tooth profile. This creates a tighter contact patch between the teeth and the chain<\/a> to help keep the chain in place.<\/p>\n

Garbaruk says it has increased the height of the teeth to further improve chain retention.<\/p>\n

Chamfered edges and wider mud gaps between the teeth should help reduce mud build-up in wet conditions.<\/p>\n

I will use the XC Crankset and DM MTB chainring on my Transition Spur<\/a> to see how they deal with winter riding \u2013 so keep an eye out for a full review in the coming months.<\/p>\n

Garbaruk XC Crankset Drivetrain Pricing & Specification<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • Crank Arms:<\/strong> \u00a3459\/$420<\/li>\n
  • Chainring:<\/strong> \u00a381.99\/$72<\/li>\n
  • Crank Arms:<\/strong> 391g claimed weight (170mm arms without chainring \u2013 claimed)<\/li>\n
  • Chainring:<\/strong> 68g (34T Oval)<\/li>\n
  • Colour options:<\/strong> Black, Blue, Gold, Green, Orange, Red, Silver, Violet<\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/body><\/html>\n
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