An idea was born
The revolution of gearbox drivetrains began with Pinion, though their innovation initially found its home in urban and touring bikes. While these systems were transforming city commutes and long-distance adventures, it took Zerode's bold vision to demonstrate their true potential on the trails. As the Zerode movement gained momentum, passionate riders began forming tight-knit online communities, sharing both the thrills and challenges of their steeds. These discussions revealed a crucial gap - Pinion's gearboxes, while groundbreaking, weren't purpose-built for the punishing demands of mountain biking. Tales of broken cranks and the hunt for better solutions echoed through the community. That's when Renegade stepped in, not just to listen, but to collaborate with riders in re-imagining what the perfect crank could be. This collaborative spirit didn't just launch a product – it launched a movement.
Proof of concept
The process began with the crank's side profile - the cornerstone of its design. Rather than getting lost in details, we focused on developing a proof of concept to validate our core ideas. This lean approach allowed us to test our assumptions about design, dimensions, and fitment.
With the fundamental profile established, we translated our vision into a 3D model. Speed was essential - we wanted to get real feedback from real riders.
The CAD designs went straight to our machining partner, where the first prototypes were CNC'd and anodized, ready to hit the trails.
industrial design
With the V1 prototype proving our concept, we dove into the creative challenge of developing a design that would marry strength with style - something uniquely Renegade. Drawing inspiration from both the cycling world and beyond - automotive wheels and utilitarian machinery - we explored countless iterations through detailed sketches and renderings.
lessons in humility
Like many passion projects, our excitement got the better of us. In our eagerness to create something visually striking, we temporarily lost sight of our fundamental goals and specifications. The wake-up call came when we finally ran structural simulations on our refined design - only to discover critical structural weaknesses. It was time to return to the drawing board, humbled but wiser. Sometimes the best lessons come from our biggest setbacks.
v2 prototype
Armed with hard-learned lessons about structural requirements, we returned to our original concept sketches with fresh eyes. This renewed perspective helped us discover elements that balanced form and function, giving birth to our V2 prototype.
Before committing to metal, we utilized 3D printing to bring our designs into the physical world. These tangible models proved invaluable for evaluating aesthetics, checking fitment, and fine-tuning critical details - steps that digital models alone couldn't provide.
With insights from the printed prototypes and a few strategic refinements, we moved back to CNC production. There's something profound about holding the actual metal components in your hands and mounting them on a bike - it's the moment when vision truly meets reality, revealing how the design adds to the bike's character.
The V2 prototypes opened doors to crucial field testing and community feedback. Early responses have already yielded invaluable data and suggestions, validating our direction while highlighting opportunities for further refinement. This ongoing dialogue with the riding community continues to shape the evolution of our design.
the road ahead
The final prototype iteration is currently taking shape, with a focus on universal compatibility across gearbox systems. We're integrating features like magnet for Smart.Shift compatibility and MGU support, ensuring our cranks meet the needs of every rider. Stay tuned as we gear up for the next exciting phase of the Renegade journey!