I'm sure you know that it's hard to keep up with the latest and greatest mountain bike technology and how things are always changing "for the better" to improve your performance on the trail (and impress your friends). Because we all know it's not how much fun you have riding up the hill but rather how fast you can get to the top... Unless you don't use Strava that is... and what's the point of riding unless you don't? Bus seriously it is always nice to be able to up your game with a little technology once in a while. |
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There is a company called OneUp Components that has come out with a quick change chainring system that allows you to swap out your chainring size on the fly based on the terrain you are riding on. They say you can change out the ring in less than a minute but we found that it takes some practice to get it done that fast. The chainring is held on by four 4mm hex bolts and once you loosen them a couple of turns you simply turn the ring 20 degrees and pull it off. There is no need to remove the crank to make the swap.
There are many sizes and types to choose from so you should be able to find something to fit your riding style. There are five sizes to choose from (28, 30, 32, 34 and 36) and you have your choice of round or oval chainrings. They also offer different offsets depending on your crank model, Regular, Boost Ai, Fat CAAD, Super Boost. The rings are made from 7075-T6 aluminum and weigh in at about 70g depending on the size. The price of the rings range from $40 to $44 depending on the size as well and the carrier will run you $23. As of now the manufacturers they support include Race Face Cinch, SRAM, Hope, Cannondale and E* Thirteen.
One thing to keep in mind is how big of a range you will be going when swapping out the chainrings because your derailleur and chain need to be able to take up the slack to keep thing running and shifting smoothly. So if you are planning on going more than one size up or down you might have to make some adjustments in your other drivetrain components.
Performance wise these chainrings seem to do just fine and you don't have to worry about them coming lose or making noise during your ride but make sure to keep your allen key with you just in case. Once you get the process down for making the swap it's a pretty reasonable thing to be able to do right on the trail assuming your friends won't make fun of you for having to change your gearing to make it up the hill.