The Radavist

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…

Modern tech, bikes, and components were lost on me over the previous few years. Sure, I talk about all that here at “work,” but in my personal life, I have spent more time looking backward, not forward, with bikes. Maybe it was because all the major manufacturers wanted journalists (if I can even call myself that) to review new gear that wouldn’t hit consumers for another year or so. Or perhaps I felt like there was inherently more to learn from the past than new tech and its marginal gains mantra.

Having spent a lot of time curating a few vintage builds, re-evaluating my own stable, and pouring over old bike catalogs, there’s something about the aesthetic found in the 1980s and early 90s mountain bike components that hits the nail on the head. Be it the eeWings cranks, those nifty Cyber Cranks, or these Engin Cycles Port Royal cranks, what’s old is new again in terms of design silhouette.

When I first saw these cranks, I immediately felt like they were an homage to the first gen M700 Deore cranks by Shimano, which did in fact come in black. (Ritchey Commandos were specced with an all-black Deer Head group!) Yet, the thing I liked about them the most was the slim profile, 30mm spindle, and the fact that Engin Cycles, a framebuilder I hold in deep regard and respect for, machines these in Philly!

I’ve had the Engin Cycles Port Royal Cranks ($575) on my Starling Murmur for a while now and finally have some thoughts I can share with y’all, so read on below for a quick review…

Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…

Last week, we posted about Engin’s 35mm clamp MTB stems (by the way, ours showed up and they are super slick!), completely forgetting to drop a note for their new 31.8mm seatpost clamps. These new clamps come in four anodized colors, matching the new Engin stems and are machined in-house in Philly from 6061 aluminum.

For Seat tube diameter 31.8 mm
For Seat post diameter up to 29 mm
Weight with steel bolt: 18g
Weight with Ti bolt: 17g
Retail: $45

Pre-order now at Engin Cycles.

Engin Cycles knows a thing or two about MTB design and fabrication. Their hardtails have been progressive before that was a thing. The latest product from their Philly shop is a 35mm clamp stem, available in four colors and 32mm, 40mm, and 50mm lengths. They retail for $150.

These 6061 aluminum stems can be upgraded to in-house milled titanium hardware for a $30 upcharge.

Specs:
32 mm 135 g (w/ Steel Bolts) 127 g (w/ Ti Bolts)
40 mm 147 g (w/ Steel Bolts) 139 g (w/ Ti Bolts)
50 mm 181 g (w/ Steel Bolts) 172 g (w/ Ti Bolts)
Stack Height 40 mm
Clamp Width 50 mm
Height Offset 5 mm
Steer Clamp 28.6 mm
Bolt Torque 5 nm MAX

See more at Engine Cycles.

Drew from Engin is one of the most thoughtful framebuilders. Everything he machines in-house is done so the highest degree of precision, while still nodding to the aesthetics demanded from today’s clientele. These seat collars are designed to offer the most evenly distributed clamping force over the largest possible area, reducing the stress on frames and sea posts. You no longer have to over-torque your clamps to keep your post from slipping. Doing so can crack your frame, or your post, and prevent dropper posts from working properly. These clamps are made from 6061 aluminum, are plated in three finishes, feature formed threads to prevent stripping, include 6-2-4-2 titanium fasteners, weigh only 29g and are available in 34.9 clamp diameter only. See more at Engin.