Description
The DMR Axe LE brings a higher level of finish with laser etched graphics to the legendary crank that is a triple winner of MBUK’s best MTB crank.
Globally proven on the World Cup DH circuit with DMR athlete Brendan Fairclough and with international flow-rider sensation Olly Wilkins, plus DMR’s own team riders Ben Deakin and Jono Jones.
These DMR cranks have the strength needed for the biggest DH hits. Combined with the weight of a race ready Enduro crank we have created what we believe to be the best crank out there for mountain bikes. Using Hollowform arms and a 30mm axle we have achieved unrivalled stiffness and strength without a weight penalty.
Features
The DMR Axe LE crank features ‘Hollowform’ technology in the forged crank arms achieving unrivalled stiffness without a weight penalty. The DMR Axe LE is strong and versatile enough to fit any All Mountain, Enduro or DH set up.
The DMR Axe LE features a sturdy 30mm axle to ensure there is no flex between your crank arms. The DMR Axe LE cranks are supplied as crank arms only so that you can assemble your cranks to your specification. We recommended DMR Blade Rings which are available in all common sizes, along with Boost and Standard chainline options. A Direct Mount spider is available for 2x set ups.
The DMR Axe LE cranks must be fitted with a DMR Axe BB, which are available in 68/73mm or 83mm threaded, BB30, PF30 and BB92 formats.
The DMR Axe LE crank is also available for DH spec frames with a longer axle
Specification
• Lightweight 790g (Arms, BB and Direct mount Blade 34t)
• ø30mm axle for unrivalled stiffness
• 165mm, 170mm or 175mm options, plus 83mm/165mm DH spec
• BB options: Euro BB, PF30, BB30, BB92, 68-73mm/83mm Threaded
• 176mm Q-Factor
• ‘SRAM’ style direct mount compatible
Installation Guide
Press/Review
DMR's Axe cranks were our surprise winners last year and they've battled off the latest opposition to retain their crown, especially if you get creative with your chainring choice.
The high-volume hollow-forged arms are big enough to noticeably boost stiffness. no matter how hard you land or lever them round. They're not so fat they'll clatter the ankles of pigeon-toed pedallers though, and while they will scuff in time, they're more rub-resilient than most.
On long, rough, rocky descents they're just the right side of stingingly rigid and unforgiving, so you can run them in a day-ride bike without waving your cartilage goodbye. This arm stiffness is matched by the 30128mm axle, which runs in excellent Praxis BB cups that are available to fit any frame (although the fitting tools add £14.99 if your shop doesn't have them) and last well even in press-fit formats.
Built-in tightening/extracting bolts make maintenance a cinch and we've had no issues with loosening or creaking over a year of relentless hammer in a bike with a particularly low BB.
Unlike the actual Praxis cranks, the Axes disconnect on the driveside, making it easy to swap the direct-mount rings, which are sold separately in a wide range of sizes.
While DMR's own Blade rings are as good as most, the SRAM-style three-bolt fixing lets you create a real killer combo by fitting the latest SRAM 'X-SYNC 2' rings for the ultimate in transmission smoothness and security.
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CONSIDERING THE HUGE amount of experience some of the other brands here have when it comes to making cranks,
DMR have done an amazing job producing the set that consistently impressed us most.
…cranks are shallower …which means they don’t sting your feet as much across rock gardens.
… 30g weight loss means a closer match to the SRAM and Shimano competition.
… driveside arm is now the removable one. That makes it much easier to change the direct-mount rings.
… three-bolt attachment is compatible with all SRAM-style direct-mount rings and spiders too,
making the separate arms (£139.99) and ring (£39.99) system even more versatile.
The Praxis BBs that the Axes are compatible with are our benchmark for easy ‘any frame’ installation and smooth durability too,
completing a triumphant surprise win debut for the renowned UK dirt jump and hardcore riding brand.
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MBUK
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Overall:
Excellent value for £240, you get all the parts you need but if you want to source your own BB and chainring, you can mix and match to suit.
The crankset itself costs just £139.99 — which is almost half the price of Shimano XTR.
With massive hollow-forged arms, an oversized 30mm axle and reasonable system weight of 784g, be both light enough for trail use and tough enough for downhill abuse.
Fitting the Praxis-built bottom bracket was easy thanks to DMR’s thoughtful inclusion of a proprietary tool that fits a standard 3/8in drive.
The SRAM-style direct-mount chainring only requires three bolts nipping up so, all-in-all, it’s a doddle.
After three months of use, the performance of the DMR Axe crank hasn’t blunted. The stiffness of both the arms, and the beefier spindle, is palpable. Pumping through turns feels more direct, climbing seems more efficient, and landing drop-offs and jumps more assured. Overall, it’s made a big difference to the solidity of our test bike.
The narrow/wide Blade chainring needed a little bedding in, but since then I’ve only unshipped the chain once.
Score 8/10