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The most expensive crank in the world?

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 18.11.2016

The most expensive crank in the world?Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh
The most expensive crank in the world?
Made in Germany, indestructible and one thing above all: particularly (expensive)! The hollow-forged titanium crank from Falkenjagd makes the eyes of tuning fans and material fetishists glaze over.
Simple, purist, elegant: the titanium crank from FalkenjagdPhoto: Florentin Vesenbeckh Simple, purist, elegant: the titanium crank from Falkenjagd

The words are balm for the souls of tender-hearted romantics in times when everything has to be logically justified and effective: Andreas Kirschner from titanium specialist Falkenjagd calls his latest baby, a CNC-milled hollow chamber titanium crank, a "lover's project". "We wanted to set a benchmark in terms of titanium production and show what is possible." The result is the only titanium crank in the world that uses a hollow chamber system and runs to the latest standards. Cost point: 4150 euros. Yes, you read that right. In comparison, the unsprung titanium frames from Falkenjagd, which go for around 2500 euros over the counter, seem almost like a bargain.

The spider can be replaced and makes the crank compatible with single and double drivetrains.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh The spider can be replaced and makes the crank compatible with single and double drivetrains.

However, Andreas emphasises that this is not a hocus-pocus price. Each crank arm is assembled from two parts. By the time the makers have these four blanks for a set of cranks in their hands, they are already out 1800 euros. The milling machine takes six hours just for one crank arm, ten times the time and effort required for an aluminium crank. The parts are milled in Frankfurt, and the process continues in the Black Forest: the aluminium shafts are pressed into the crank arm and the small parts are assembled at cooperation partner Tune. Stiffness should be at the absolute top level, but stability is more important. "Extremely robust and indestructible," says Andreas. Where aluminium cranks get dents and carbon models can completely shatter with a bit of bad luck, the titanium counterpart remains untouched. "But the actual added value is limited," he admits as he runs his fingers over the barely visible grooves left by the milling tool in the precious titanium, grade 5, the hardest titanium alloy. "It's more of an emotional thing." Real collector's items for all those who are looking for something special and value uniqueness - provided they have the necessary small change.

Interior view of the elegant crank armsPhoto: Florentin Vesenbeckh Interior view of the elegant crank arms

The facts:

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  • Price: 4150 Euro
  • Weight: 699 grams with 34 mm chainring, without bearings
  • Aluminium shaft with 30 millimetre diameter
  • available for BSA, BB30 and Pressfit bottom bracket
  • 175mm crank arms
  • Optionally mountable with single or double chainring


www.falkenjagd-bikes.de

Compared to other top cranks on the market, the weight of the titanium cranks is rather sobering.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh Compared to other top cranks on the market, the weight of the titanium cranks is rather sobering. While most titanium cranks still run with outdated square mounts, the Falkenjagd arms come with a pressed-in 30-millimetre shaft made of aluminium, which ensures high rigidity.Photo: Florentin Vesenbeckh While most titanium cranks still run with outdated square mounts, the Falkenjagd arms come with a pressed-in 30-millimetre shaft made of aluminium, which ensures high rigidity.
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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