Nobody would disagree that the advent of narrow wide chainrings have revolutionised the way we look at drivetrains, with 1x being more popular than ever. However, chainring experts Renthal believed that improvements could still be made and spent the last 18 months working on a chainring that would be more durable and offer better mud clearing properties. The result is the new 1XR chainring

The new 1XR chainring offers improved durability and mud clearing
The new 1XR chainring offers improved durability and mud clearing

To improve the durability Ian Collins (Renthal Marketing Manager) talks us through the changes, “As the tooth face wears, the inner chain plates come into contact with the wide section of the chainring tooth. When this happens the efficiency of the chainring is lost, as the chain is no longer running on just the roller. To alleviate this problem and extend chainring life, we profiled the face of the wide section to allow clearance for more tooth face wear to occur before the chainring has to be replaced. Durability is further bolstered as we use a full width tooth face and manufacture from 7075 T6 aluminium, which is then hard anodised. We bench marked the two market leading chainrings and the Renthal 1XR showed considerably improved longevity”

Renthal profiled the face of the wide section to allow clearance for more tooth face wear before replacement
Renthal profiled the face of the wide section to allow clearance for more tooth face wear before replacement

Renthal also promise big improvements in mud performance too. Ian Collins states “In heavy mud conditions, two issues occur; mud quickly builds up on the shoulder that links the wide section teeth and it can clog on the x-section wide teeth. Both of these cause efficiency and premature wear issues at best. At worst, it can cause the chain to lift up and de-rail. We tackled this in three ways. We significantly lowered the shoulder between the wide section teeth, giving mud room to evacuate. We also added mud grooves in the tooth bed to further speed the process. Additionally, the profiled front section of the wide tooth allows clearance for mud to purge out, rather than clogging”.

The new 1XR promises improved performance in the mud
The new 1XR promises improved performance in the mud
  • Alternating 1.8 / 3.5mm width teeth
  • CNC machined 7075 T6 Aluminum
  • Hard anodized surface finish
  • Mud grooves in the tooth bed
  • Ultra stiff I-Beam cross section
  • Mud clearance and wear-proof profiling
  • 104mm BCD, 32, 34, 36 and 38t
  • Price : £49.95 / €59.90 / $59.90

Alternating 1.8 / 3.5mm width teeth interlock with the chain for ultimate security, with no loss of efficiency. The 1XR can be used with a clutch-type rear derailleur, without a chain guide. The reduced frontal profile of the 3.5mm wide teeth increases mud clearance for the inner chain plates and extends longevity. Durability of the hard wearing 7075 T6 aluminium construction is maximised with a hard anodised surface treatment and mud evacuation grooves in the tooth bed.

For more information check out Renthals website

Our Impressions

We have been running a 1XR for 2 months now through a tough Scottish winter, and have been very impressed. With over 300km ridden in some of the shittiest mud conditions we have not experienced a single chain loss or issue. The 1XR screams quality and early indications suggest it is wearing extremely well. We will bring you a full review when we have thrashed it through some more rides.

Words: Trev Worsey and Renthal PR

Photos: Trev Worsey


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