Author: CarbonRaw

The crankset is the heart of your bike’s drivetrain, converting leg power into forward motion. Whether riding road, MTB, or gravel, choosing the right crank affects cadence, efficiency, and comfort. QO cranksets deliver precision power transfer with lightweight carbon engineering, enhancing every pedal stroke across terrains.

In triathlon, where every watt and second count, cranksets play a vital role in optimizing power transfer and maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. The right crankset can help athletes sustain effort during long bike legs while preparing for the run segment with minimal fatigue. Crank length and gearing are two crucial considerations. Many triathletes favor compact setupsRead more ⟶

Carbon components aren’t all the same. The secret lies in the carbon weave: UD for stiffness, 3K for balance, and twill for aesthetics. This post dives into how different fiber structures and advanced layups shape performance in cranksets and frames. Discover how brands like QO use precise layering to deliver components that are lightweight, responsive, and built for real-world riding conditions.

Carbon fiber components aren’t just molded — they’re crafted. This post explores how top-tier brands like QO and ENVE manufacture high-performance cranksets and frames using prepreg layups, pressure-molded curing, and precision finishing. Learn what makes the difference between standard carbon and true performance engineering, and why every layer counts when it comes to power, weight, and durability.

Carbon fiber has become essential in high-performance cycling. From ultralight cranksets to vibration-dampening seatposts, leading brands like QO, ENVE, and ROTOR use advanced composites to improve stiffness, weight, and comfort. This post breaks down where carbon matters most and which components deliver the biggest gains.

Carbon cranksets are engineered for elite performance. Their unique construction maximizes stiffness while minimizing weight, allowing for more efficient pedaling and explosive acceleration. With advanced designs from brands like QO and ROTOR, cyclists gain the edge in both road and gravel conditions. This post breaks down what makes carbon cranks the smart upgrade for serious riders.

Not all carbon fiber is created equal. From T700 to T1000, each grade impacts stiffness, strength, and ride feel. In this guide, we break down the most common carbon types used in bike frames, cranksets, and wheels — and why the right choice matters for performance, durability, and weight.

Carbon fiber isn’t just about saving weight — it’s about unlocking new levels of performance. In drivetrains, wheelsets, and control components, brands like QO, ROTOR, and SRAM use advanced layups and modular designs to enhance every ride. This post explores how carbon is reshaping cycling across disciplines and what to look for in next-gen components.

Enduro cranksets face some of the toughest conditions in cycling, requiring a perfect balance of durability, stiffness, and weight. In 2025, options like the Race Face Next R, 5Dev R-Spec, and Garbaruk Enduro lead the pack, with the QO BIKE ROCKS standing out as a premium carbon alternative built for aggressive trail riders. At CarbonRAW, we track the latest in high-performance components for MTB, road, and beyond.

Narrow-wide chainrings offer improved chain retention for modern 1x systems—ideal for gravel and MTB. We explain how the alternating tooth profile works, and when to choose narrow-wide over traditional chainrings.