e*thirteen MTB cranks: Helix Race Carbon - cranks for All-Mountain and XC

e*thirteen is expanding its range of components with the new Helix Race Carbon cranks, which, according to the manufacturer, are the most technologically advanced cranks in the company's history. After several years of development work in the field of carbon production, e*thirteen has optimised the Helix Race Carbon cranks to achieve a particularly favourable strength-to-weight ratio. The cranks are available in two versions: an MTB version for conventional mountain bikes and an e*spec version specifically for e-mountain bikes.

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Lightweight E-MTB cranks with ASTM 5 certification

The Helix Race Carbon e*spec cranks were specially developed for use on e-mountain bikes and have ASTM 5 certification. This classification confirms their suitability for particularly demanding applications. Despite the high load capacity, the cranks are extremely light with a weight of just 330 grams in the 165 millimetre version for Fazua drives. According to the manufacturer, this makes them suitable for trail and all-mountain use as well as for bike park visits.

The e*spec version was designed for compatibility with almost all common E-MTB motor interfaces. These include ISIS mounts (for Bosch CX Gen4/5, Bosch SX, TQ HPR50, Brose S Mag, DJI Avinox, Yamaha and Specialized 2.1/2.2/3.1), SRAM DUB and Fazua Ride 60. e*thirteen offers variants with 21.5 and 26 millimetre arm offsets for the ISIS interfaces in order to optimise the Q-factors of different motor systems. The cranks are supplied with moulded crank shoes to protect against rock contact, self-extracting pullers for easy maintenance and protective stickers to prevent chafing from shoes.

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Ultralight MTB cranks for all-mountain and XC

The MTB version of the Helix Race Carbon cranks is ASTM 4 certified and therefore suitable for all-mountain use, but at the same time light enough for XC race setups. Weighing just 335 grams in the 170 millimetre version, the cranks are among the lightest in their class. The design includes compression-moulded carbon crank arms, a weight-optimised, milled 30-millimetre aluminium axle and 8-speed gearing as the connecting interface.

According to the manufacturer, complete cranksets including chainrings weigh less than 400 grams in total. The cranks are equipped with an 8-hole chainring mount, whereby the special Helix Race 8-bolt chainrings from e*thirteen have a special feature: They utilise a unique four-bolt locking mechanism that saves additional weight. However, e*thirteen recommends using all eight bolts when using chainrings from other manufacturers. The MTB cranks are optimised for a chainline of 55 millimetres (Boost standard) and are compatible with various bottom bracket standards, including BSA, BB92, T47, PF30 and BB30.

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Self-removing and well protected

Both crank versions are available in different lengths. The e*spec version is available in 155, 160, 165 and 170 millimetres, whereby the 155 millimetre option will be available shortly, according to the manufacturer. The MTB version is available in lengths of 160, 165, 170 and 175 millimetres. Chainrings in sizes from 30 to 36 teeth are available for the MTB cranks. Both versions have moulded crank shoes to protect against stone chips, self-extracting pullers for easy assembly and disassembly and protective stickers to prevent abrasion from shoes.

The MTB version is also equipped with an APS bearing preload adjuster and captive pedal washers. The Q-factor of the MTB cranks is 171 millimetres. Both crank versions are available in the colour graphite and come with a five-year manufacturer's warranty. The Helix Race Carbon e*spec cranks cost 409.95 euros, while the MTB version costs 459.95 euros.

Technical specifications

Helix Race Carbon e*spec cranks

• ASTM classification: Category 5
• Available lengths: 155, 160, 165, 170 mm
• Compatible motor interfaces: ISIS (21.5 mm and 26 mm arm offset), SRAM DUB, Fazua Ride 60
• Compatible motors: Bosch CX Gen 4/5, Bosch SX, TQ HPR50, Brose S-Mag, DJI Avinox, Yamaha, Specialised 2.1/2.2/3.1
• Weight: 330 g (Fazua, 165 mm)
• Colour: Graphite
• Price: 409,95 Euro
• Warranty: 5 years
• Scope of delivery: moulded crank boots, protective sticker, self-extracting system

Helix Race Carbon MTB cranks

• ASTM classification: Category 4
• Available lengths: 160, 165, 170, 175 mm
• Axle: 30 mm with 8 teeth
• Chainring mount: 8-hole standard
• Chainline: 55 mm (Boost)
• Compatible chainring sizes: 30T-36T
• Bottom bracket options: BSA, BB92, T47, PF30, BB30
• Weight: 335 g (170 mm), under 400 g with Helix Race 8-bolt chainring
• Q-factor: 171 mm
• Colour: Graphite
• Price: 459,95 Euro
• Warranty: 5 years
• Scope of delivery: APS bearing preload adjuster, moulded crank boots, captive pedal washers, self-extracting system, protective sticker