The crank is available in lengths of 170 and 175 millimetres and is supplied with a protective film and rubber feet. However, we have deliberately dispensed with the foil in order to test the resistance of the surface.

The Lyft is installed on a test bike with a BB30 bottom bracket, which is child's play with the right tools. The in-house bottom bracket can be pressed in without much resistance. As with other manufacturers, the bearing play is fine-tuned using a preload ring. Compared to the competition, however, this is made of aluminum and is clamped with a larger Torx screw. In any case, the crank never came loose during the six-month test period.

In addition to rides in all kinds of weather conditions, the crank also has to put up with a few "bumps" - the bike's low bottom bracket. In addition, it is often subjected to grazing metal eyelets, which are somewhat unfavorably positioned on the shoes. It goes without saying that the look suffers as a result. However, the usual scuff marks are relatively minor. They are mostly paint scratches that slightly tarnish the look after six months of intensive use.

The inner values

Compared to similarly light carbon pedals, the Lyft crank is even slightly stiffer. However, we cannot confirm that it therefore transmits impacts or vibrations more strongly than other cranks. It was also not necessary to retighten the screws during the entire test period - everything was still in place as it was at the beginning.

In addition to countless load changes, the Praxis Works bottom bracket was also subjected to dozens of washes with the garden hose. Of course, you should never aim the water jet directly at the bearings, but let's be honest: most mountain bikers do this.

While the drive-side bottom bracket still runs as smooth as butter, the opposite bearing has suffered more. It runs a little rough, but still well enough that it does not yet need to be replaced due to noise or bearing play.

In contrast, the in-house chainring with the protected Wave technology has suffered more. Compared to the narrow-width teeth, the individual wave teeth are offset from each other. After just four months, the chainring has to make way for a new one due to heavy wear and corresponding noise.

However, the reason for this is not a weakness of the product, but a clear application error - it can happen, but shouldn't. This is because the chain must be placed correctly on the chainring for it to function properly. It is crucial that the narrow chain links lie on the corresponding teeth. If the chain is placed incorrectly, the teeth will be rasped off within a short time and a replacement will be needed. In principle, however, the Wave technology has proven itself well. The chain only came off the chainring twice during the test phase.

Conclusion

The Lyft crank from Praxis Works may cost a pretty penny at CHF 599.00, but you get a carbon crank of the highest quality in return. It definitely doesn't have to shy away from comparison with the competition. It is a great tuning product for weight weenies, on which the chain should always be correctly fitted.


www.praxiscycles.com
www.indiansummer.ch