Titanium rods with a lifetime warranty and 3D printed: Atherton's bet for Trail and DH

Atherton Bikes expands its component catalog with the launch of its first set of cranks made from titanium using 3D printing. The new set, called A.GR.TI Crank, applies the same engineering approach that the British brand uses in its 3D printed frames and aims to offer an extremely durable, configurable component designed for intensive use in disciplines such as enduro or downhill.

Atherton presents its first 3D printed titanium cranks for MTB

The development has been carried out with the goal of creating cranks capable of withstanding the most demanding use without sacrificing weight or adaptability. The result is a modular system that combines layer-by-layer manufacturing, multiple adjustment options, and an optimized construction for the loads typical of the most aggressive mountain biking.

The new cranks are produced using 3D printing in titanium, the same process that Atherton uses in some of its high-end frames. This technology allows for the creation of complex internal structures that are impossible to achieve with traditional processes, optimizing material distribution.

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Inside, the crank combines hollow areas with solid titanium reinforcements at points subjected to higher stresses. This design aims to maximize stiffness and strength while keeping the weight low. According to the brand, a 165 mm crank weighs around 506 grams without a chainring, a competitive figure within the gravity segment.

The structure has passed both ISO tests and EFBE category 5 certification, the most demanding classification for components intended for downhill use.

One of the key elements of the design is the ability to choose from eleven crank lengths, ranging from 150 mm to 175 mm in 2.5 mm increments. Atherton believes that choosing the correct length directly influences pedaling dynamics, ground clearance, and hip angle during pedaling.

3D manufacturing also allows for expanding this range in the future without relying on new molds or tools, which would incur high costs in conventional production.

The system is built in three pieces and allows for adapting the drivetrain to different current standards. Available configurations include:

• Three chainline options: Trail (52 mm), Trail Wide (55 mm), and DH (56.5 mm)
• Compatibility with 28.99 mm (SRAM DUB) and 30 mm axles
• Direct mount interface with 8 bolts, used by SRAM in its modern drivetrains

Atherton also offers the option to purchase the set along with compatible chainrings to receive the crankset ready to install.

One of the design details is the extremely low profile in the pedal area. Thanks to the greater strength of titanium, material in that area has been reduced, improving ground clearance and reducing the risk of impacts against rocks.

Without paint and with a lifetime warranty

Titanium does not require protective coatings, so the cranks are offered with three different finishes that showcase the natural material:

• Raw (raw titanium)
• Burnished (slightly polished)
• Tumbled (smoother and shinier finish)

The brand assures that the surface will evolve with use, developing its own patina over time. Each unit also comes with a lifetime warranty for the original owner, a statement of intent regarding the durability of the component.

The cranks are printed, machined, and assembled in Machynlleth (Wales), at the Atherton Bikes facilities. As it is a configurable component made to order, the delivery time can range from four to eight weeks depending on the chosen configuration.

The starting price is approximately £845 (around €800), varying based on the selected finish.

With this launch, Atherton transfers its experience in advanced frame manufacturing to one of the most critical points of the bike, with a crankset that aims to combine extreme strength, customization, and a practically unlimited lifespan.