Tuesday, January 29, 2013

IRD Mjölnir Single Speed Crankset

We just got a hold of these new prototype Mjölnir cranks from the IRD super top secret underground development labs. Basically, what they've come up with is a super bling, slightly retro, but 100% bomb proof single speed crankset.


It runs a 94mm bolt pattern, which allows you the option of running a smaller chainring than your standard four bolt MTB cranks. Plus it makes them look classic. They use a JIS square taper BB like the ones IRD sells. Works good and don't cost too much. Also having wide range of spindle widths available will help you dial in your chain line. I've been grinding up and down the hills of SF on this set and they feel stiff as can be.



This is great if you're trying to maximize your clearance or if you're running a 1x9/10spd drive train and want to give yourself some room on the low end for climbing. They will be sold crank arms and rings separately so you'll have a few gearing options to choose from. Since the crank arms taper very subtly outward you can get a super low Q-factor, even if you use a wider BB. They're designed for a single ring mounted on the outside of the spider, but you can mount a second ring on the inside if you want to run a Dingle Speed drivetrain. Just get longer chainring bolts.



I'm running them with a 30x16t gearing right now. These won't be available for a couple months, but when they arrive they'll be for sale through the Soma and IRD web stores and via your LBS.



In case you were wondering what a Mjölnir is and how to pronounce it, you can find more info here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mj%C3%B6lnir

I think it's a pretty apt name for these puppies.



11 comments:

Anonymous said...

nice does it have a granny?

Michael_S said...

seems like the perfect crank arms for a wide range double. With 94bcd you can run a 29T small ring. Combined with a 44 or 46 big ring this would be a perfect crankset.

giant hogweed said...

will these be available in 165mm?

ptb said...

Any reason these can't be made compatible with current 10-speed derailleur systems? I would be a potential buyer.

alex wetmore said...

Whoa: your Japanese guys are productifying this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/88336152@N00/6746969729/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/88336152@N00/6746937591/in/photostream

That is a 110/74 adapter for a TA-style crank that was made on my CNC machine, designed by Peter Meilstrup.

alex wetmore said...

Also, a 94mm BCD double version of your IRD cranks would be very interesting.

Anonymous said...

Any pics of the backside -is it basically flat?

That's the thing that keeps many otherwise-worthy 94bcd cranks from working as nice low-Q doubles.

Also, second the call for something shorter than 175s.

Noah said...

When are those 50.4 coming? I need a 165 sans chainrings in the worst way.

Jamse said...

Do you plan on selling TA rings to go with the SunXcd cranks?

Anonymous said...

I don't suppose you could tell us anything about this sunxcd company as you have apparently talked to them.
Do they have plans to produce their own 50.4 rings?

Unknown said...

Let's go both ends of the spectrum, okay? Some want 165s, I would LOVE 185s for CX. Their 200s I drool over, but only in a triple. Please, please, please