SRAM

Red DUB 12-Speed Crankset - 2023

The all-new Red DUB 12-Speed Crankset from SRAM is the result of a systematic change to the company's flagship road group. Thanks to a revamp of its Red eTap line up, it allowed SRAM to completely redesign the crank and among other things, fundamentally change the concept of gearing. We'll be the first to admit that SRAM's front shifting was, ahem, lagging compared to its competitors and with this new crankset, those days are over.

Naturally, the hollow arms are constructed of carbon providing strength, stiffness, and low weight. SRAM uses a proprietary layup that increases the thickness in critical areas while tapered, terraced, carbon architecture reduces weight elsewhere. Next up is the oversized aluminum DUB spindle, that first appeared on its mountain groups, now available for the first time on the road. This standard significantly adds durability to the bottom bracket bearings and broader frame compatibility without sacrificing stiffness.

But perhaps the most significant change with this crank comes from the new chainrings. These all-new, direct mount rings are machined from a single block of lightweight aluminum making them as stiff as possible for faster, crisper, and more consistent shifting. The rings are available in 46/33t, 48/35t, and 50/37t options where you will notice two things: consistent 13-tooth jumps between the small and big rings and smaller overall tooth options.

As opposed to the 16-tooth jumps of compact (50/34t) and mid-compact (52/36t), or even the 14-tooth jump with the stalwart standard (53/39t), a 13-tooth jump offers smoother and quicker front shifting with fewer compensating shifts needed in the rear after making the shift. This all happens thanks to the wider cassette range offered by the new 12-speed cassette and its 10-tooth starting cog. SRAM calls it X-Range gearing technology, we call it amazing. It not only allows for more useful gearing options and a smoother progression that improve cadence and efficiency, but the shifts are also always crisp, clean, and quick.

Lastly, the cranks are easily upgradeable to become a powermeter down the road with Red AXS upgrades from sister company Quarq.