One of the surest ways to determine if a new product has real performance credibility is to look at the pro peloton. If you see it there, chances are, it works. Now, were not talking about bikes from companies worth millions, those sponsorships are about dollars more than performance. We’re talking about small companies with a new take on an old question. When Carlos Sastre crossed the final finish line of the Tour de France with the yellow jersey safely on his shoulders, one of those small companies with a new idea won the Tour; Rotor.

They recently returned to their grand tour winning ways when Juan Jose Cobo shocked the world, and the entire Sky team, by winning the Vuelta last September. To commemorate that win Rotor is releasing a limited edition Cobo 3D crank. The crank has been anodized red and features Cobo’s mascot, the bison. Taken from cave painting in his home region, why a mountain goat like Cobo chose a bison as his mascot is another question entirely.



The 3D crank was initially designed for Thor Hushovd and as you would guess can effectively transfer some serious power. To ensure they are light enough for the climbers out there Rotor uses a ‘Trinity Drilling System’. They drill three holes down the length of an extruded aluminum bar to create each crank, carefully removing weight while retaining stiffness and strength. The resulting crank weighs only 476 grams. Of course, Rotor’s oval Q rings will accompany the crank so you can spin up the L’Angliru like Cobo did to secure his 2011 Vuelta victory.

Only 1000 of these limited edition cranks will leave the factory in Spain, and should be hitting your local Rotor dealer now. A comprehensive BB system will fit just about any standard. For more information click: rotorbike.com