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Behind the Scenes | The Making of Hope Cranks

We have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Hope’s first set of cranks. For years they have been producing prototypes and testing, now we know why. In this video and photo story, You’ll get an in-depth look at the attention the detail that goes into each step of the process from design to installation. It is clear that Hope didn’t just produce another crank for the sake of expanding their product line. They really made sure to provide clear benefits, bombproof construction and of course, the raw beauty of machined aluminum that is typical of the UK brand.

Check out our own factory visit and the first look for more info on the cranks.

The design team has spent years brainstorming ways to improve on a seemingly simple concept.
The design team has spent years brainstorming ways to improve on a seemingly simple concept.
The arms start out as thick billets raw material before they are forged to the final size.
The arms start out as thick billets raw material before they are forged to the final size.
The cranks are forged from 7000 series aluminum alloy.
The cranks are forged from 7000 series aluminum alloy.
Hope purchased a massive new machine for this project, capable of machining 16 crank arms at a time.
Hope purchased a massive new machine for this project, capable of machining 16 crank arms at a time.
HOPE_Crank_Factory-1099
Hope wanted the crank to be as strong as possible, this influenced the removal of pinch bolts after finding some weaknesses during testing.
Hope wanted the crank to be as strong as possible, this influenced the removal of pinch bolts after finding some weaknesses during testing.
The rigorous testing they put the cranks through was not to achieve European standards. Rather, to be personally satisfied with their product.
The rigorous testing they put the cranks through was not to achieve European standards. Rather, to be personally satisfied with their product.
Periodically, the arms are tested for accuracy, to 1000th of a millimeter!!
Periodically, the arms are tested for accuracy, to 1000th of a millimeter!!
No paint here! The cranks are then anodized for a durable finish.
No paint here! The cranks are then anodized for a durable finish.
Bad-ass black.
Bad-ass black.
Graphics are laser etched.
Graphics are laser etched.
HOPE_Crank_Factory-0975
Truly a masterpiece.
Truly a masterpiece.

Photos: Duncan Philpott

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