With the new 11-speed Shimano XT M8000 groupset starting to trickle into stores near you, it was only a matter of time before we saw aftermarket component options. Single-ring conversion specialists OneUp Components has kicked this off with a narrow/wide chainring option to suit the new M8000 crank spider.
Machined from 6mm 7075-T6 alloy plate, the new chainring is claimed to save 35g over a stock 32t Shimano XT M8000 single chainring, while also being priced a little cheaper at US$55 (international prices TBC).
Much like OneUp’s XTR M9000-compatabile chainrings, the new XT version is said to provide a 49mm chainline (stock is 50.4mm) for lesser drivetrain noise and improved chain wear.
The narrow/wide chainring is ready to bolt in place
The new ring will be offered in 30t (45g), 32t (51g) and a 34t (60g) sizes. It’s compatible with M8000 1x and 2x cranksets, along with non-series MT700 2x models. Offered in a crank matching black only, each ring will include shims to allow simple installation with Shimano’s stock bolt hardware.
Also available for XT M8000 users is the 45t cassette expander cog
In addition to the new ring, OneUp has updated the information on its XTR 45t expander cog, now stating that it will work with a Shimano M8000 XT 11-40t cassette too. We’ve been using one of these cogs with XTR M9000 for a month now and early signs show that it shifts well, although durability is still unproven. The real benefit of such a large cog is being able to upsize your chainring and receive a wider gear range.
No doubt, OneUp Components won’t be the last to offer aftermarket chainring options for the new Shimano XT 11-speed. If 2016 bike specifications are anything to go by, we expect to see plenty of these new Shimano groupsets out on the trails.
The chainrings are online for order now with shipments expected toward the end of the month. Information can be found at www.oneupcomponents.com.