I'll tell you what. Crank Brothers is fast becoming the premier high-end bike component manufacturer out there. Give them a few more years and I think you'll find every major bike part or accessory has been reinvented by this crew of design mavens.
For 2008 they've announced several new products, including wheels, headsets, a new single speed crank, and a seat post.
While none of the new designs are as game-changing as their pedals were when first introduced, they are aesthetically beautiful. Only time will tell if they can hold up to day to day abuse.
Headsets
About time someone give Chris King a run for the money. I've never understood the fascination with headsets, but here you go Chris, some genuine design competition.
Single Speed Cranks
Now these are downright gorgeous. Clean looking and very minimalist modern. Kind of like my Ikea kitchen, but with more fit and finish. Would go nicely on my Monocog 29er, but cost almost as much as the bike at approximately $300.
Wheels
Now I've seen this hub and spoke design done before, but it sure does look clean, doesn't it? The only trouble for me is that there are just two colors, Cobalt Blue and Opium Red. I prefer a more subdued wheel and let my riding do the talking (yeah right), but that's just me.
Seat Post
It's not clear to me if Crank Brothers bought the Speedball seat post line from Maverick or simply licensed the design, but they do plan to continue development of this innovative seat post that let's you lower and raise the post depending on the terrain. Shrewd move on Crank Brothers part, after all there are only so many innovations that can come to the seat post.
So let's see...the Crank Brothers lineup now consists of the following; pedals, cranks, bottom brackets, wheels, headsets, and seat post, not to mention accessories like pumps, hand tools, and cleats. So what's next? Skewers and hubs sold separately, handlebars (maybe buy the design of one of those crazy Mary, H, or Jones bars)...what am I missing?
(Via Cyclelicious)
