Hope Technology is a brand that is synonymous with beautiful CNC machined components. The UK manufacturer has been around since pretty much the dawn of mountain biking, and over several decades has cemented a reputation for engineering high quality parts that just so happen to look really lovely.
In recent years we’ve been impressed by the finish and performance of the Hope Tech 4 brakes, F22 flat pedals and Union clip pedals. So when Justin was on the lookout for a shorter set of cranks for his Trek Rail, our attention was soon drawn to this stunning E-Bike crankset.
Hope E-Bike Cranks
- Lengths: 155mm & 165mm
- Weight: 472g (claimed)
- Price: $419.95 AUD
Forged and CNC machined from 7150-series alloy in Hope’s Barnoldswick factory in the UK, the E-Bike crankset has been purpose built for a selection of the latest e-MTB and motors on the market.
Currently Hope produces them to suit Bosch, Specialized and Brose/Yamaha drive units, and each model is available in both 155mm and 165mm lengths. You can also get the Hope E-Bike cranks in a variety of anodised colours, as well as the shiny silver finish we have here.
To suit Justin’s Trek Rail, we went for the Bosch-compatible E-Bike crankset in a 155mm length. This is 10mm shorter than what previously came on the bike, which offers a significant improvement in ground clearance.
On the trail the benefits were immediately apparent, with far less pedal bashing on the technical climbs that the Rail thrives on. This has especially been the case since Justin mulleted his personal bike by fitting a 27.5in rear wheel. Even though the flip chip has been switched to the High setting, the BB height is still lower to the ground compared to the dual-29er setup. However, fitting the 155mm Hope cranks helped to neutralise the lower BB, resulting in fewer rock strikes.
The shorter crank arms meant Justin had to lift his saddle height by a corresponding 10mm, which then required some tweaks to the cockpit setup. Overall though, this has been a positive upgrade both functionally and aesthetically.
Hope E-Bike Chainring
- Size: 34T & 36T
- Price: $149.95 AUD
To go along with the Hope E-Bike crankset, Justin also got a new chainring to refresh his drivetrain.
Like the crankset, the E-Bike chainring is available in multiple colours. It comes in 34T and 36T sizes, and you can get them to suit Bosch, Shimano and Specialized e-MTB motors. The narrow-wide tooth profile is said to be compatible with all modern 12-speed drivetrains.
CNC machined from a single billet of 7075-series alloy, the Hope E-Bike chainrings are then heat treated and hard anodised to create a highly durable and wear-resistant finish. The result is a beautifully crafted component that looks fantastic alongside the matching crankset.
