The VumaQuad is a 4-arm compact crank fits the emerging 30mm BB standard, has a 30.0mm spindle and 30mm bearings. This crank set is 33% stiffer than the next lightest product on the market and passed the new increased CEN fatigue test at the new standard of 1800 Newtons.
We offer both compact 50/34 and standard 53/39 extra stiff chain rings fitted to a 110mm bolt circle and attached with “NoNuts” system to reduce weight and increase overall crank stiffness. The smaller chain ring is threaded, so we use a larger diameter bolt to increase thread engagement, reduce weight and Stiffen the chain ring – crank arm interface.
There is a ceramic bearing option (with gold bearing cups + $200) comprising ABEC 7 races and Grade 2 balls. Our standard (gray bearing cups) option with ABEC 5 races and Grade 10 steel balls is already 2.5 times rounder than the industry norm.
The VumaQuad is compatible with all 68mm wide bottom brackets with either 1.37″ X 24T English threads or 36mm X 24T Italian threads. The VumaQuad is designed to work with only the VumaQuad bottom bracket bearing cups.
Vuma – an Africa word in multiple languages, when translated from Kiswahili means “a good rumour that is spread with the blowing wind,” it also means to move fast, have energy or be spirited.
The VumaQuad takes compact crank design and performance to another level. At 560g it is the lightest stiffest and strongest carbon crank on the market. Passing the new, far stricter CEN fatigue test while many other brands were grandfathered in.
This all new four-arm spider comes with your choice of 50/34 or 53/39 chain ring, in a 110mm bolt circle for extra stiffness and in 170, 172.5, 175 and 180mm lengths for the really discerning rider. Our bonding system is 3 times as strong at holding two separate lugs giving a super light, extra stiff crank.
The Q fact or is a mere 146mm – the smallest we have measured in the market.
The bearings are USA made with ABEC 5 grade races and Grade 10 steel balls, no less than 2.5 times as round as the rest of the industry. We have a ceramic upgrade with ABEC 7 races and Grade 2 balls – by far the best in all cycling.
The spindle is aluminum 30mm, with a unique design that allows for weight reduction while retaining structural integrity and durability. The VumaQuad tested beyond 100,000 cycles at 1800 Newtons.
VumaQuad – instruction manual with detailed assembly diagrams .pdf
Caution: Possible Interference Between VumaQuad Spindle and Cable Guide Bolt
There may be interference between the 30 mm spindle of the VumaQuad and the cable guide bolt on some bikes. The 30 mm spindle of the VumaQuad has less clearance between the spindle and inner diameter of the bottom bracket shell than most other bottom bracket spindles. This is allowed by the use of external bearing cups. The reduced clearance means less room for anything to protrude into the inner diameter of the bottom bracket shell. The cable guide on many bikes is held to the bottom side of the bottom bracket shell using a bolt that goes through the shell.
One should take care while installing the VumaQuad to make sure the cable guide bolt cannot come into contact with the spindle. If it can, a shorter bolt should be used in its place before installing the VumaQuad.
- Price: £700.00 + Standand bearing, £100 or Ceramic Bearing, £175
- Weight: 607 grams (39/53 @ 172.5mm)
- Material: Carbon
- Gearing: 34/50, 39/53
- Length (mm): 170, 172.5, 175 and 180
by Zipp.com, review by BikeRadar.com, from Wiggle.co.uk
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Product Review from BikeRadar.com By Jez Loftus
Ignore the staggering price of the new Zipp VumaQuad cranks for one moment. Never one to do it by the book, Zipp has designed the VumaQuads around the new 30mm bottom bracket standard – basically an upsizing of the crank’s spindle and associated bearings.
Weight is impressively low. The chainrings use single bolts that screw directly into the threaded spider – little touches like this shave off those grams. We tested the 39/53-tooth version with 172.5mm crank lengths, which weigh in at a feathery 607g.
With a combination of the four arms, compact spider and big 53T ring, we had initial concerns about chainring flexibility. We had no noticeable flex or front mech rub though – only power sprinters might get the rings to flex. The cranks felt incredibly solid and purposeful. The stiffness and power transfer, combined with the low weight, does feel special.
The all-carbon crank arms are beautifully finished, although if you pedal ‘heels-in’ you will scuff the finish on the raised centre bulge. Installation is a doddle – all you need is the supplied external bottom bracket tools and a 10mm Allen key. Removal is just as easy and the cranks feature a self-extracting bolt. Considering the high price, we’d advise getting a shop to fit them for you.
As for that price, if you’re the sort of person to query it then the VumaQuads probably aren’t for you. They don’t even come with a bottom bracket. The standard 10-steel-balled bottom bracket tested here costs £100, the ceramic upgrade £175. So who’s going to buy them? Posers and those who can afford the performance advantage. Judging by the pre-orders, there are plenty of you out there.
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by Zipp.com, review by BikeRadar.com, from Wiggle.co.uk
Tags: "NoNuts" system, 1.37" X 24T English threads, 170mm, 172.5mm, 175mm, 180mm, 30mm Crank, 34/50, 36mm X 24T Italian threads, 39/53, 50/34, 53/39, ABEC 7 races, ABEC 5 grade races, All-Carbon Crank Arms, BikeRadar.com, Ceramic Bearings, Ceramic Bearings, Chainwheel, Crankset, Grade 10 steel balls, Grade 2 balls, Manufacturers, Products, Tech Info, VumaQuad, Wiggle.Co.UK, ZIPP, ZIPP VumaQuad, Zipp.com