SRAM is rolling out an expansive range of direct-mount chainrings for its 1x11 speed drivetrains.
These CNC-machined aluminum direct-mount rings offer two important benefits over the four-bolt design employed thus far on XX1, XO1 and X1 cranks: increased gearing range and decreased weight.
Curiously, SRAM opted to use two different bolt circle diameters for its three 11-speed mountain groups. The top-tier XX1 group uses a 76mm BCD, allowing riders to go as low as a 28t chainring. However, the 94mm BCD used on X01 and X1 limits the smallest chainring size to 30t.
The new direct-mount X-SYNC rings are compatible with all of SRAM's 1x11 mountain groups
This direct mount chainring option is compatible with XX1, X01 and X1-level cranksets and allows riders to select from a much broader range of tooth counts — everything from a climb-friendly 26t all the way up to a quad-killing 40t ring.
The second important benefit of SRAM’s new direct-mount rings is a reduction in weight. The claimed weight savings of the direct-mount rings ranges from 25-50g, depending on chainring size.
One downside to this direct-mount approach is that — since the chainring bolts directly onto the crankarm spindle — the chainrings must be offered in dedicated versions for cranksets with 24mm (GXP) and 30mm (BB30) spindles in order to get achieve the proper chainline.
To view a compatibility chart for SRAM’s new direct-mount chainrings click here.
Claimed weights for GXP chainrings: 61g (26t), 66g (28t), 68g (30t), 71g (32t), 76g (34t), 91g (36t), 101g (38t), 119 (40t)
Claimed weights for BB30 chainrings: 52g (26t), 58g (28t), 61g (30t), 66g (32t), 71g (34t), 82g (36t), 94g (38t), 106g (40t)
Pricing: US$99 / £75 / AU$ TBA
Availability: 30t, 32t, 34t chainrings are available now; 26t, 28t, 36t, 38t, 40t rings will be available in April 2015.
Visit www.sram.com for more information.
