introducing the 2014 product range from crankbrothers redesigned wheel collection :: updated cockpit design
O G R A B M E please do not share any product details until the following public launch dates:
tues, nov 19 :: all level 2/3 wheels mon, nov 25 :: all cockpit early 2014
:: cobalt 11 wheels (date tbd)
2014//wheelsets
crankbrothers wheel history
original wheel design goals :: in 2005, carl and frank, the founders of crankbrothers, wanted to create a new wheelset that had a more logical 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 eďŹƒcient way. they wanted to completely pair up the spokes because this is an inherently stronger structure. paired spokes form a triangle, and triangles are the strongest shape in construction. with this in mind, they got to work designing what has become the iconic and unique crankbrothers ::twinpair spoke wheelset. in the beginning, it took some experimenting to optimize the design and get it right.
wheel timeline ::
2005 first wheel prototype with v-spoke design
2008 wheelsets introduced with ::twinpair spoke design
2010 redesigned hub and updated aesthetics
2013 the newest generation of crankbrothers wheels
the original v-spoke design concept (2005) :: the original wheel concept used 
 v-shaped spokes to connect to the rim at paired points through tabs protruding o of the rim.
carl and frank quickly realized that this meant no spoke holes would be drilled in the rim, making the rim stronger, tubeless ready, and removing the need for a rim liner. the first prototype was made in 12 pieces on a rapid prototype machine that fit together like legos. we later had master wheel builder, joe binatina, build and assess the rideable samples to determine how well the design would work. joe realized that the v-spoke design was not stable and would not stay true. we were advised to find a way to connect the spoke to the rim that was more fixed.
1st generation wheel launch (2008) :: the v-shaped spokes design evolved into the ::twinpair spoke lacing pattern that we use today, and the 1st generation of crankbrothers wheels were launched. ::twinpair spoke technology creates a strong and balanced structure by equalizing the load on each side of the wheel. the nipple and spoke were designed to come together at the midpoint for accurate and easy to access tensioning. this also creates a balance of stiness and compliance by using shortened steel spokes with elongated aluminum nipples. we originally decided not to create a new freehub system, and we instead adapted the hub flanges on an existing design to fit our wheels. however, we dealt with freehub durability issues, and we had to go through a series of hub improvements. our final hub was quite reliable, but we still wanted to make something even more robust.
2nd generation wheel launch (2010) :: the goal with the 2nd generation wheel development was to update the hub design and address the issues of the 1st generation wheels. we developed a freehub testing machine that could apply large repeated loads, allowing us to benchmark test our competition and our own freehubs. our 2nd gen wheels used a proven freehub design that has been very reliable. freehub warranty dropped from 17% to less than 1%. as bike technology developed, we realized that we faced some challenges being able to convert hubs between 135 and 142 spacing. testing also showed that our wheel stiness should be higher, our weights lower, and our rims wider. with the hub issue solved, we went back to the drawing board to improve the quality of our wheelsets by focusing on redesigning the rim.
3rd generation wheel launch (2013) :: the 3rd generation crankbrothers wheelsets feature an optimized rim profile that improves stiness and reduces weight. the collection is improved across all models and is better than ever. :: new price points for higher value :: optimized rim profile :: new bead hook design :: improved strength : weight ratio :: cobalt and iodine now available in 3 diameters :: all new carbon fiber rim design & construction :: wheelsets are now fully compatible with all end caps included :: SRAM XD 11-speed available (aftermarket kit)
product categories :: the crankbrothers wheel line includes three categories, each designed for a specific style of mountain biking. cobalt//xc/race
iodine//all mountain
opium//downhill
product levels :: all crankbrothers products have a numerical naming hierarchy, and it goes to 11. $$$$$$$$$$$ dreambike :: for bikes over $4,000
$$$ performance :: for bikes between $2,000 - $4,000
$$ step-up :: for bikes between $800 - $2,000
$ brand entry :: the gateway
development + redesign process
3rd gen wheel development + design goals :: with the 3rd generation of wheels, we wanted to make big improvements.
we had a lot of goals with this redesign: :: improve lateral stiness :: improve impact resistance :: improve rim strength : weight ratio :: reduce weight :: improve tubeless tire interface :: improve ride quality :: add 27.5 diameters :: simplify the collection
we went to work designing a new wheel collection that would exceed the demands of the athletes that ride our products.
optimized rim profile :: rim profile optimization was our #1 focus.
overview of new aluminum rim profile: :: design focused on improving strength : weight :: tapered wall design :: optimized for durability, lateral stiness, and vertical compliance :: internal widths all 2mm wider :: increased rim depth 
 (actual increase varies by model)
optimized rim profile :: all rims are now wider with lower sidewall heights. 2mm wider
2008-2013
2014 1.7mm lower
2mm wider lateral widths. :: improves lateral stiness because a larger cross section can better withstand bending forces.
1.7mm lower sidewalls.
:: improves impact resistance by allowing more clearance for tires to absorb more, as well as withstanding bending forces.
optimized rim profile :: the rim profile is deeper for increased strength. 2014 increased rim depth
2008-2013
improved bracing angle
increased rim depths.
:: improve radial strength and resistance to buckling :: improves spoke bracing angle, to better withstand lateral loading :: shortened spoke lengths by 4mm (keeping 1 spoke length per diameter)
optimized rim profile :: we reduced weight in the rim design. 2008-2013
2014 3.
1.
4.
2.
the new rim profile allowed us to reduce weight in 4 key areas.
1. removed I-beam :: re-distributed the material to increase width and depth. 2. tapered sidewall thickness :: keep material in high stress areas, and thin the material elsewhere. 3. reduced bead hook width :: by 0.2mm 4. reduced sidewall height :: by 1.7mm
optimized rim profile :: tubeless tire interface has improved. non-perforated tire bed :: no extra rim strip or tape needed. curved tire well :: allows for tire beads to easily slide into re-designed bead hooks. reduced bead hook width 0.2mm :: along with the 2mm increased internal widths allows tire profiles to open up, but still maintains a nice rounded shape. reduced sidewall height 1.7mm :: creates a tighter, more precise fit with the tire bead.
optimized rim profile :: aluminum rim profile comparison. 2008-2013
cobalt 2, 3 iodine 2, 3 opium 3
2014
optimized rim profile :: our carbon rim profile features the same improvements.
overview of new carbon rim profile: :: focused on improving strength : weight :: tapered wall design :: new construction with smooth inner walls :: unidirectional carbon fiber :: internal width 2mm wider :: increased rim depth for improved spoke bracing angles and vertical compliance
optimized rim profile :: new construction with smooth inner walls provides precise control from the inside out. using proprietary molds, we have a controlled interior profile mold shape that delivers high precision and compaction during the fiber layup process through the curing process. high material compaction maximizes strength by eliminating any resin pools, delamination, voids or wrinkles, and reduces the need for filler materials. net result is in smooth, clean inner wall finish, with all interior mold material removed, while providing consistency and control throughout the process.
bonding line
2-piece bonded construction
1-piece layup and curing construction
rim analysis & testing
rim design + analysis :: we analyzed hundred of iterations of rim cross sections until we found the optimal design.
FEA stress analysis for: lateral bending vertical loading (buckling) radial stress & loading static tire pressure
with this thorough analysis, we are confident that our wheelsets will meet the demands of the most discerning and aggressive riders.
rim design + analysis :: FEA stress analysis for lateral bending:
150 N lateral load
rim design + analysis :: FEA stress analysis for vertical loading (buckling):
rim design + analysis :: FEA stress analysis for radial loading & inflation pressure:
radial stress
static tire pressure
testing procedures & results :: we put the redesigned wheels through extensive testing, and then we tested them some more.
we tested with machines: rim lateral stiffness wheel lateral stiffness frontal stiffness (radial) wheel fatigue testing vertical strength testing spoke tab strength testing hub fatigue testing wheel impact testing
and we tested with riders: crankbrothers race club xc team bianchi tx-active world cup xc team norco international dh team hans rey richie schley holger meyer karen eller crankbrothers product team
after all was said and done, these wheels passed the test.
rim lateral stiffness :: the lateral stiffness and stiffness : weight improved substantially in both the aluminum and carbon rims. aluminum rim testing: cobalt 3 29”, 6061-T6 aluminum rim rim
weight stiffness
stiffness : weight
2nd gen
460g
12.70 N/mm
27.56
3rd gen
430g
15.15 N/mm
35.24
19% improvement in lateral stiffness 28% improvement in stiffness : weight
carbon rim testing: cobalt 11 29”, UD carbon rim rim
weight stiffness
stiffness : weight
2nd gen
360g
15.45 N/mm
42.93
3rd gen
400g
31.91 N/mm
79.79
106% improvement in lateral stiffness 86% improvement in stiffness : weight
wheel lateral stiffness :: with the stiffer rim, the wheelset itself became much stiffer, with an improved strength:weight ratio. aluminum wheel testing: cobalt 3 29”, rear wheel wheel weight stiffness
stiffness : weight
2nd gen
975g
31.58 N/mm
32.39
3rd gen
934g
34.52 N/mm
36.96
9% improvement in lateral stiffness 14% improvement in stiffness : weight
carbon wheel testing: cobalt 11 29”, rear wheel wheel weight stiffness
stiffness : weight
2nd gen
891g
19.23 N/mm
21.58
3rd gen
890g
38.96 N/mm
43.78
102% improvement in lateral stiffness 103% improvement in stiffness : weight
wheel frontal stiffness + fatigue test ::
frontal stiness (radial)
fatigue test
rim vertical strength testing :: vertical strength & compliance determines ride quality. this is how we test vertical strength: rim is fixed vertically, while a constant load is applied normal to the centerline. the rim is tested until failure, with the max force recorded for the first crack and ultimate failure. the resulting deflection (displacement) is also recorded. carbon rims require extra testing. our carbon rims require a minimum of surpassing 50% over aluminum rim standards, and they exceed the vertical strength of the leading competitor brands that we tested.
spoke tab strength testing :: spoke tabs are tested to ensure they surpass 150% of the maximum paired spoke tensile strength.
hub fatigue testing :: our current generation hubs have a <1% warranty rate. these hubs are durable and reliable. the hub drive mechanism is fatigue tested using a proprietary test designed by crankbrothers to ensure durability:
a cycle test applies a given torque for 2 seconds, then reverse rotates 370째. this cycle repeats for the test duration. the rim is tested until failure, with the max force recorded for the first crack and ultimate failure. our current hubs have been in production since 2010 and have over 10 times the lifespan compared to the first gen hubs. all hubs are fully compatible, and end caps are included with all wheelsets. xd-driver adapter is available as an aftermarket kit.
wheel ride testing :: we had some of the best athletes put all of our wheel models to the test, incorporating their feedback into the final wheel design.
cobalt testing ::
bianchi tx-active uci team: gerhard herschbaumer (u23 elite xc world champ) crankbrothers race club: judy freeman chloe woodruďŹ&#x20AC;
iodine testing :: richie schley hans rey holger meyer karen eller
opium testing ::
norco international dh team: jill kintner bryn atkinson
aluminum rim finish treatments :: our 3rd generation aluminum rims feature a new finishing treatment to improve fatigue life. alloy rims receive a shot peened surface treatment that increases rim strength by 15% by hardening rim surface and reducing possibility of micro surface cracks. the rim seam is welded and polished for a strong and clean joint. all aluminum rims are anodized, and level 3 rims receive a 2-color treatment. graphics are laser etched.
wheel assembly :: all crankbrothers wheelsets are hand built, and we perform thorough inspection to ensure maximum quality control. 100% hand built crankbrothers wheelsets have always been hand built with no machine assembly. the ::twinpair spoke design have a unique and simple build process.
100% inspection all wheelsets are inspected for: :: lateral, radial, dish within ±0.4mm :: spoke tension :: cosmetic finish
we are serious about consistency and quality control in our wheelsets.
the final product
cobalt 11 wheelset :: weight 27.5 / 29
1520g / 1590g
rim material
unidirectional carbon
finish
matte clear w/ decals
width (int / ext)
21mm / 27.8mm
depth
28.9mm
spokes material
sapim
butting
2.0 / 1.8 / 2.0
length (26 / 27.5 / 29)
140mm / 159mm
spoke pins
hollow 7075-t6 aluminum
nipples material
7075-t6 aluminum
size
3.2 x 139
hubs front hub
6061-t6, cobalt
bearings
sealed cartridge 6804 (x2)
front hub end caps
15mm (installed), 9mm (included)
rear hub
6061-t6, cobalt
bearings
sealed cartridge 6903 (x2), 6902 (x2)
rear end caps
12x142 (installed), 10x135 (included)
freehub
3-pawl, 21T, alloy
msrp / warranty warranty
2 years
msrp
$2200
cobalt 3 wheelset :: weight 27.5 / 29
1650g / 1735g
rim material
6061-t6, smooth weld joint
finish
shot peen, black + red anodizing
width (int / ext)
21mm / 24.9mm
depth
19.5mm
spokes material
sapim
butting
2.0 / 1.6 / 2.0
length (27.5 / 29)
147mm / 166mm
spoke pins
hollow 7075-t6 aluminum
nipples material
7075-t6 aluminum
size
3.2 x 139
hubs front hub
6061-t6, cobalt
bearings
sealed cartridge 6804 (x2)
front hub end caps
15mm (installed), 9mm (included)
rear hub
6061-t6, cobalt
bearings
sealed cartridge 6903 (x2), 6902 (x2)
rear end caps
12x142 (installed), 10x135 (included)
freehub
3-pawl, 21T, alloy
msrp / warranty warranty
2 years
msrp
$900
cobalt 2 wheelset :: weight 26 / 27.5 / 29
1660g / 1710g / 1790g
rim material
6061-t6, smooth weld joint
finish
shot peen, black anodizing
width (int / ext)
21mm / 24.9mm
depth
19.5mm
spokes material
stainless steel
butting (26 & 27.5)
2.0 / 1.8 / 2.0 (29â&#x20AC;? is 2.0 straight gauge)
length (26 / 27.5 / 29)
134mm / 147mm / 166mm
spoke pins
solid 7075-t6 aluminum
nipples material
7075-t6 aluminum
size
3.2 x 139
hubs front hub
6061-t6, cobalt
bearings
sealed cartridge 6804 (x2)
front hub end caps
15mm (installed), 9mm (included)
rear hub
6061-t6, cobalt
bearings
sealed cartridge 6903 (x2), 6902 (x2)
rear end caps
12x142 (installed), 10x135 (included)
freehub
3-pawl, 21T, steel
msrp / warranty warranty
2 years
msrp
$600
iodine 3 wheelset :: weight 27.5 / 29
1780g / 1850g
rim material
6061-t6, smooth weld joint
finish
shot peen, black + silver anodizing
width (int / ext)
23mm / 27.2mm
depth
19.5mm
spokes material
sapim
butting
2.0 / 1.8 / 2.0
length (27.5 / 29)
147mm / 166mm
spoke pins
hollow 7075-t6 aluminum
nipples material
7075-t6 aluminum
size
3.2 x 139
hubs front hub
6061-t6, iodine
bearings
sealed cartridge 6805 (x2)
front hub end caps
15mm (installed), 20mm (included)
rear hub
6061-t6, iodine
bearings
sealed cartridge 6903 (x2), 6902 (x2)
rear end caps
12x142 (installed), 10x135 (included)
freehub
3-pawl, 21T, alloy
msrp / warranty warranty
2 years
msrp
$900
iodine 2 wheelset :: weight 26 / 27.5 / 29
1810g / 1845g / 1910g
rim material
6061-t6, smooth weld joint
finish
shot peen, flat black anodizing
width (int / ext)
23mm / 27.2mm
depth
19.5mm
spokes material
stainless steel
butting
2.0 straight gauge
length (26 / 27.5 / 29)
134mm / 147mm / 166mm
spoke pins
solid 7075-t6 aluminum
nipples material
7075-t6 aluminum
size
3.2 x 139
hubs front hub
6061-t6, iodine
bearings
sealed cartridge 6805 (x2)
front hub end caps
15mm (installed), 20mm (included)
rear hub
6061-t6, iodine
bearings
sealed cartridge 6903 (x2), 6902 (x2)
rear end caps
12x142 (installed), 10x135 (included)
freehub
3-pawl, 21T, steel
msrp / warranty warranty
2 years
msrp
$600
opium 3 wheelset :: weight 26
2100g
rim material
6061-t6, smooth weld joint
finish
shot peen, black + red anodizing
width (int / ext)
26mm / 31.1mm
depth
23.4mm
spokes material
sapim
butting
2.0 straight gauge
length
132mm
spoke pins
hollow 7075-t6 aluminum
nipples material
7075-t6 aluminum
size
3.2 x 139
hubs front hub
6061-t6, opium
bearings
sealed cartridge 6805 (x2)
front hub end caps
20mm (installed)
rear hub
6061-t6, opium
bearings
sealed cartridge 6903 (x2), 6902 (x2)
rear end caps
12x150 (installed), 12x157 (included)
freehub
3-pawl, 21T, alloy
msrp / warranty warranty
2 years
msrp
$900
wheel matrix :: cobalt 26-inch
27.5-inch
opium
iodine 29-inch
26-inch
27.5-inch
29-inch
26-inch
2014//cockpit
cobalt stems :: we went back to the drawing board to make our cobalt xc stems lighter and stiffer. at 109g (100mm), the cobalt 11 stem is the lightest xc stem on the market. with a new 4-bolt design, the cobalt 11 stem is twice as stiff as the previous generation. the cobalt 3 stem is now made with a new material to reduce weight and increase stiffness. graphics have been updated on all cockpit components for aesthetic cohesiveness. cobalt 11 stem
cobalt 3 stem
weight
109g (100mm) 15g lighter than previous gen!
148g (100mm) 15g lighter than previous gen!
material
carbon fiber
6061 aluminum
bar clamp
31.8mm
31.8mm
length
80, 90, 100, 110mm
80, 90, 100, 110mm
rise
6°
6°
color
black
black / red
warranty
2 years
5 years
msrp
$300
$90 (reduced from $110)
iodine stems :: we also wanted to improve our iodine stems by reducing weight, increasing stiffness, and updating the industrial design. both the iodine 2 and iodine 3 stems have a new design with updated faceplate and body to improve aesthetics and reduce weight. we now use a 4-bolt clamping system, which increases stiffness by 30% over the previous gen. the reduced stack height lowers center of gravity to improve bike handling. iodine 3 stem
iodine 2 stem
weight
147g (65mm)
154g (65mm)
body material
6061 aluminum
6061 aluminum
face plate material carbon fiber
6061 aluminum
bar clamp
31.8mm
31.8mm
length
50, 65, 80mm
80mm
rise
6°
6°
color
black
black
warranty
2 years
5 years
msrp
$110
$80 (reduced from $90)
cobalt handlebars ::
our carbon xc handlebars have gotten even lighter, and the new graphics and finishing are beautiful and consistent with all crankbrothers cockpit products. cobalt 11, lowrise
cobalt 11, midrise
cobalt 3, lowrise
cobalt 3, midrise
weight
155g (680mm)
185g (680mm)
225g (680mm)
270g (700mm)
material
carbon fiber
carbon fiber
7050 aluminum
7050 aluminum
rise
8mm
15mm
8mm
15mm
widths
680, 780mm
680, 780mm
680, 780mm
700mm
bar clamp
31.8mm
31.8mm
31.8mm
31.8mm
warranty
2 years
2 years
5 years
5 years
msrp
$165
$165
$85
$85
iodine handlebars ::
iodine 11
iodine 3
iodine 2
weight
215g
290g
360g
material
carbon fiber
7050 aluminum
2014 aluminum
rise
30mm
30mm
30mm
widths
780mm
720mm
780mm
bar clamp
31.8mm
31.8mm
31.8mm
warranty
2 years
5 years
5 years
msrp
$165
$85
$50
opium 3 handlebars ::
the opium dh bars come in multiple rise options for superior control in dh riding. with updated graphics and a new black finish, the opium bar will look great on any bike. opium 3, midrise
opium 3, highrise
weight
295g
315g
material
7050 aluminum
7050 aluminum
rise
15mm
30mm
widths
780mm
720mm
bar clamp
31.8mm
31.8mm
warranty
5 years
5 years
msrp
$85
$85
iodine grips ::
the iodine grip features a new grip texture that is much more durable, ensuring product longevity.
iodine grip weight
95g
width
130mm
grip material
krayton rubber
lock rings
6061-t6 aluminum
torx bolt size
t-10
msrp
$25
cobalt seatposts ::
the cobalt xc seatpost collection has updated graphics and finishes, with a reduced price for the level 3 seatpost. cobalt 11 seatpost
cobalt 3 seatpost
weight
187g (30.9, 0mm sb)
263g (30.9, 0mm sb)
post material
carbon fiber
7075 aluminum
clamp material
aluminum
aluminum
bridge material grivory
grivory
post diameter
27.2, 30.9, 31.6
27.2, 30.9, 31.6
length
400mm
400mm
setback
0mm, 20mm
0mm, 20mm
color
black/gold
black/red
warranty
2 years
5 years
msrp
$220
$100 (reduced from $110)
2014//gruppos
the new wheelsets + cockpit from crankbrothers lighter :: stronger :: stiďŹ&#x20AC;er :: better