Crankstar

THE NEW KIT HAS LANDED

2012-02-24T09:53:00.000+10:00

Fresh off the docks, Crankstar's latest kit has arrived. With prices for the CS Edge Short Sleeve Race Cut Jersey @$109.90 and the CS Air Race Cut Jersey @$119.90. Two choices for bibs as well with the CS Edge Bib Shorts @$149.90 and the CS Razor Bib Shorts @$199.90. We also have caps, gloves, musettes and socks to compliment the outfit. Come check it out in store @Crankstar.

YES, IT'S FOR SALE

2012-02-21T12:38:00.000+10:00

Yes, it's true. After many enquiries and a great deal more compliments out on the road, Crankstar's first themed show bike is for sale. The reason? We have something special on the way and a bike this unique should be seen out on the road and not in a garaged collection. What makes this build so special is all of the time and skill that has gone into the paintwork as well as the subtle hints of colour that highlight all that is Parlee.

The spec...

-2011 Parlee Z4 ML (56cm top tube) custom painted in Rootbeer Candy

-2011 Sram Force custom painted in Rootbeer Candy

-Quark Power Crank 172.5mm custom painted in Rootbeer Candy with Orange chainring Bolts

-Chris King Bottom Bracket

-Thomson Stem & Seatpillar

-3T Rotundo LTD carbon bars

-Enve 1.25 Tubular Rims

-Tune Orange Hubs

-Conti GP4000 Tubulars

-Garmin Edge 705

-King Cages custom brushed in copper

-San-marco Concor saddle

The price... $6500

For all enquiries, contact Crankstar.

PROJECT Z5 2012 - STAGE 1

2012-02-14T17:42:00.000+10:00

So with Parlee introducing 2 new colour schemes to this year's 2012 Z5 line-up, it was only natural that we were going to take the new theme and run with it. Here are just a few quick snaps of the new Campagnolo Record groupset that will be paired with the new Silver Z5.The first instalment begins...

Classy pin-stripes will give this build that understated yet bold feel that should make heads turn for that second look.

Subtle hints of the double pin-stripes set the rear mech off. Bike porn at it's finest.

Campag may not be so friendly when pulling apart and assembling, but we think it's worth it.

Keep an eye out for the next few instalments or come check out the progress at Crankstar.

NEW COLOURS FOR PARLEE'S Z5

2012-02-10T10:01:00.000+10:00

Parlee is now offering their flagship Z5 in 3 new colour options for 2012. Options include this Silver number with some sweet red and black highlights. Also on offer are two white versions with a blue or orange accent to keep you standing out in the bunch. Swing by Crankstar to check out the new colour options as well as the new Z5 SLI for your new Shimano or Campagnolo intergrated groupset.

SO THIS IS WHY WE LOVE INDEPENDENT FABRICATIONS

2012-02-03T11:01:00.001+10:00

Former IF racer and camera maestro Logan Hodson paid Independent Fabrications a recent visit and took a bit of footage. Here's the link to their blog. It will make you all warm and tingly!

http://ifbikesblog.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/video-newmarket-shop.html

THE NEW CRANKSTAR KIT DESIGN

2012-01-21T11:31:00.000+10:00

The new 2012 Crankstar kit has been designed and a late February delivery date scheduled.

As you may have noticed, we have made the switch to Champion Systems for 2012. The decision was an easy one as they can produce different garments using the same design but at different price points. This will give the Crankstar customer an option of price and quality.

There has been a lot of interest in this years kit already, so to make sure you get a set in the first shipment, I would recommend you forward order soon.

As you can see, we have kept with the two tone blue with grey but introduced an orange into the kit for 2012. We also have gloves, caps, musettes, skinsuits and socks to compliment the apparel.

Come in and see us at Crankstar to make sure you are one of the first to pimp the new kit.

FIRST LOOK - ENVE 1.45 TUBULARS

2012-01-17T09:37:00.000+10:00

Ok, so when I say first look I may be stretching the truth a little. In fact, I have had the pleasure of both training and racing an entire U.S. pro season on every rim Enve has in their arsenal. The 1.45 Tubulars pictured here being just one of the road options available.

Versatility is the first word that comes to mind when riding these 1.45's. It's a rim for all occasions. The weight for this wheelset built into a DT Swiss 240 hub set is only 1128 grams!

This easily puts it in the uber light category without making any sacrifices to the strength and durability of the wheel.

So when I say no sacrifices, I mean hubs and spokes. DT Swiss 240 hubs paired with Sapim CX Ray spokes to be precise. Along with the rims, these build into a race wheel that rivals anything on the market. The guys at Enve realised that to build the best product possible, it would make more sense to pair their carbon rims with products already tried and tested. This also gives you options. You can get these puppies built into Chris King or Alchemy hubs and still rival the price of a Zipp.

Performance. These wheels are stiff and responsive. Even the 1.65's accelerate like a wheel with half the rim depth. These wheels performed effortlessly in crosswinds. All in all, I thought the 1.65's where the choice for crits. The 1.45 shown here was definitely the best all rounder performing well in every condition. For the everyday rider, they also offer this wheel in a clincher model. .

Retail for this tubular wheelset with DT Swiss 240's starts at $3149 with the clincher model $3369.

Come in and see us at Crankstar to get a deal and get you rolling on a new set of hoops today.

Here's a quick pic of an absolute hitter tearing up the Roswell Crit on a pair of 1.65's.

Just thought I'd throw that one in. Too fast, too furious!

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS - CUSTOM PARLEE Z1

2011-12-24T10:07:00.000+10:00

A real rider's ride. I enjoyed every minute of this special build. Parlee's flagship, the Z1. The attention to detail that goes into crafting a bike like this is amazing. There is simply nothing better. When Andrew visited us at Crankstar with a clear vision of what bike he was after, the ball started rolling pretty quick! A timeless yet classy look with components to suit and compliment every aspect of the build. Even the wheels got the custom treatment. In the end, it has turned out to be one of the most ride-able bikes Brisbane has seen. And to think his friends laughed when we promised delivery before Christmas. A big thanks must go out to Bob, Tom & the boys at Parlee for getting it all done smoothly and on schedule as well as Peter from Cycling Edge who personally hand delivered this masterpiece to the Crankstar door.

For a better look at the build process that Parlee goes through with every Z1 frameset, follow this link.

Enve Bar & Stem combo = Sexual Chocolate!

The cockpit turns on a dime thanks to a Chris King No-Threadset.

Classy custom Parlee decals compliment the timeless lines on the Parlee Z1. Arundel carbon bidon cages in their slick finish will hold the bidons.

A better look at the custom Alchemy hubs built into Hed's C2 rims using Sapim cx-ray spokes. All done in-house at Crankstar. Ceramic Speed jockey wheels guide the chain through Shimano's Dura-ace Di2 rear mech. Note the fabricated titanium hangers which guide the Di2 cable perfectly. You can see the attention to detail that goes into the bonding process here.

For your next dream bike, come visit us @ Crankstar.

HOOP DREAMS - Crankstar now a stockist for ENVE Composites

2011-12-16T15:46:00.000+10:00

Just a quick look at what we have got just in time for Chrismas.

Crankstar is proud to announce we are now the latest stockist for all Enve Composites wheels, rims, bars, stems & seatpillars. These guys are the real deal... & I can personally recommend these products.

With carbon clincher or tubular rims for all occasions, and an endless selection of hubs from a variety of brands including DT Swiss, Tune, Chris King & Alchemy, come in and speak to Steve about building a custom set of hoops for your race machine.

instore @Crankstar

Ever stopped to wonder where the magic happens??

2011-12-09T08:41:00.002+10:00

Before...

After.

Beautiful, handcrafted masterpieces from Independent Fabrication.

Come check out your next dream bike @Crankstar.

Crankstar rides Tambo

2011-11-30T08:26:00.000+10:00

Last week a few of the Crankstar Crew took advantage of a late mid week start to tackle Mt Tamborine.

We met nice and early at Crankstar and after a delicious coffee, struck out on the journey.

The weather was crisp. 5.00am is a great time to ride in summer here in Brisbane. You can feel the day slowly waking from it's slumber. You try to put the thoughts of heat and humidity in the back of your mind as you know this will become apparent after 8.00am! This ride gave us a solid 127km and a little over 4hrs of ride time.

Mt Tamborine is situated around 60km south of Brisbane. The ride out is a transformation from city, to suburbs, to farm land and finally rainforest as you approach the upper slopes of the climb. The ride itself is a good honest ride that will test most riders endurance as well as strength on the 7km climb. You can expect gradients of between 5%-12% on what can best be described as a gradual climb. We (I mean I!) got to the top in a little over 20mins with the rest of the group staggering in between 24-30mins. Don't stress boys, it isn't the time of year to be setting records yet!

Another quick brew at the top and we were on our way home. The block headwind didn't help our cause so the passing convo got less and less as the ride slogged on. In the end I think we were all happy to step off the bike and all unhappy to have to start work. The coffee and banana bread combo for $6 at Crankstar certainly helped.

Things to look out for... Traffic, in particular tradesman during the week through Logan can be unforgiving so stick to the shoulder at all times. Some parts of Waterford-Tamborine Road have little room so riders should stay aware of traffic coming from behind.

Besides these minor points, this ride is one of my favourites. Combining good constant kilometres along with a solid climb, this ride will certainly get you some good K's in the bank.

New editions to the Crankstar line-up

2011-11-29T10:20:00.000+10:00

Here's a taste of some new editions to Crankstar.

On special just in time for christmas!

Bont Vapour $360

Bont A2 $270

Giro Ionos $299

Giro Atmos $249

Bell Volt $299

Bell Sweep $199

In store @crankstar.

PIC OF THE WEEK

2011-11-18T08:33:00.000+10:00

No worries!

PezCyclingNews’ MOOTS Vamoots RSL

2011-11-15T10:31:00.000+10:00

This is why we here at Crankstar love Moots. For the complete article follow the link and see what it's all about. Come in store and talk to those in the know to start you on your own Moots odyssey.

GET TOUGH WITH A CRANKSTAR TEE

2011-11-09T13:12:00.000+10:00

So tough, Chuck Norris ordered 3! Guaranteed to have the girls wild like a Prince concert. In stock now @crankstar.

So Why Customize??

2011-11-07T11:05:00.000+10:00

In an industry where trends tend to work in circles, it is only natural that there are those willing to push the boundaries and look to be the first into uncharted waters. Themed bikes look to be the next big thing within the cycling alumni. As with the likes of Orange County Choppers and many more from the custom motorbike fraternity, the push to create something new and unique is growing stronger within the cycling fraternity.

So where do you look for something one off? There are many manufacturers offering 'custom' paint but the limitations are still there. Almost all give you a template and a handful of colours on a palate and say "go nuts". But how nuts can you go with so many limitations? Do you try to get the colours as close to what you are really looking for? What if the colour you are asking for doesn't exist on the manufacturer's palate at all. Also, if they are using the same decals and template, why does this option add $1000-$1500 to the equation? And how much wait time does this kind of option add to the time that you pull the trigger and the time you throw a leg over?

Here are a few picks of a 'Fully Customized' Parlee. When I say 'Fully Customized' I mean from the ground up. Parlee is one of only a handful of manufacturers on the market that offer this as an option. No templates, no fonts, no paint palate to choose from. Just a complete respray start to finish. It even keeps it's lifetime warranty. And for the budget conscious, they still offer the template and colour palate option at a much more reasonable price without the standard 12 week wait you get from some of their European counterparts. Check it out on Parlee's website using their configurator http://www.parleecycles.com/customfinishes/

Come check out more options to customize your ride @ Crankstar.

PIC OF THE WEEK

2011-11-01T11:12:00.000+10:00

Crankstar's new team car...

Industry Day - Last Chance Sunday

2011-10-29T15:52:00.000+10:00

Sunday will be your last chance to check out & perhaps ride some of the worlds best road machines as part of Industry Day.

We have Parlee Z5's, Z4 & Z3, Moots Vamoots RSL & Mooto X YBB 29er, Independant Fabrications SSR, built ready for you to come & check out. Last chance! Sunday, 8am-12am.

If you miss out, don't stress. Crankstar is still the exclusive Qld dealer so we can still deliver that dream bike. Come and see what hand made really means.

Crankstar Industry Days - Come & Try Before You Buy

2011-10-25T17:56:00.000+10:00

Because of the lengths we go to customize brands like Parlee, Moots & Independant Fabrications, it is not always possible to see or ride first hand some of these one of a kind rigs. For this reason, Crankstar in conjunction with Cycling Edge will be hosting an Industry Day this Thursday & Friday giving you the customer a chance to view (& perhaps ride) what these brands have to offer.

We will have on show some Parlee bikes, both Z5, Z3 & TT, Independant Fabrications SSR, Moots Mootox RSL to name a few.

Check out what hand made really means.

Pop in and check it out. There may even be a brew or two on offer!

PIC OF THE WEEK

2011-10-21T09:03:00.000+10:00

Each week we will delve deep into the world wide web to find pictures that will get you pumped for a weekend of solid k's and bulk brew time.

Well, to start things off, I thought we couldn't look past the man himself.

Pimpin ain't easy but Mario does it standing on his head.Thanks for the memories!

Sin City - A Brand New Parlee Z5SL with Custom Candy Red Super Record

2011-10-15T12:08:00.000+10:00

This new Parlee Z5SL just ouzes class and individuallity. Built to spec for this Brisbane based customer.

Peter was looking for something striking and individual but still holding onto the class that is the Parlee Z5SL.

The Super Record groupset has been custom painted in a Candy Red Tint along with the carbon headset spacers, seatpost clamp, Carbon Front Derailer Clamp as well as the 3T bars.

Finished off with Mavic's R-Sys SLR wheelset.

The end result speaks for itself.

Crankstar Cafe

2011-10-13T16:57:00.000+10:00

Crankstar Cafe is now open and serving brews.