News: SRAM to officially license its popular X-SYNC™ technology
Since its successful and celebrated introduction 2 years ago, SRAM’s popular single-ring 1X™ Drivetrains featuring X-SYNC chainrings continue to gain popularity. Enduro Mountainbike Magazine were so impressed with the XX1 drivetrain that they awarded it the prestigious Design & Innovation Award in 2013. In an effort to provide consumers more choice – SRAM has licensed this valuable, precision-based technology to two industry partners.
This December we formally signed two license agreements for the technology, one with Canadian-based Chromag, the other with the Accell Group. Both of these top-tier industry suppliers will be manufacturing their own versions of SRAM’s X-SYNC rings, to be distributed through their own networks. Both suppliers will continue to use and support all SRAM 1X™ Drivetrain components in addition to this license.
This narrow-wide design (also referred to as thick-thin) is an original SRAM technology, designed and engineered to be paired with matching SRAM components to ensure proper function. Imitation rings not manufactured to proper SRAM specifications may result in rapid wear and poor mud clearance, both of which may result in dropped chains.
SRAM has filed numerous patent applications on narrow-wide / thick-thin tooth geometry. Our German engineering teams invented narrow-wide / thick-thin chain retention for bicycles and we continue to improve on it. We strongly believe consumers deserve both choice and design integrity in the products they purchase. SRAM reserves the right to enforce its intellectual property in all matters relating to X-SYNC.
Accell: Accell Group N.V. (“Accell Group”) focuses internationally on the mid-range and higher segments of the market for bicycles, bicycle parts and accessories and fitness equipment. Accell has leading positions in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Finland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. Accell Group’s best known brands are Batavus (NL), Sparta (NL), Loekie (NL), Ghost (DE), Haibike (DE), Hercules (DE), Winora (DE), Raleigh and Diamondback (UK, US, CA), Lapierre (FR), Tunturi (FI), Atala (IT), Redline (US) and XLC (international). For more information visit: http://www.accell-group.com/uk/accell-group.asp
Chromag is a manufacturer of high end machined bicycle components based in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. In addition to a full range of quality components, Chromag also manufactures an extensive line of steel hardtails. Being a smaller company gives Chromag the ability to move quickly and bring the most relevant components to market with a heightened sense of detail and creativity. For more information visit: http://www.chromagbikes.com
SRAM X-SYNC 1X™ Chainrings provide the highest level of chain management, performance and durability. SRAM’s X-SYNC tall rectangular tooth edges engage the chain earlier than traditional triangular-shaped teeth. The sharp and narrow tooth profiles, as well as rounded chamfers, help manage a deflecting chain. To provide the best possible performance in muddy conditions, the X-SYNC chainring provides mud-clearing recesses for the chain links and rollers. Designed in Germany, X-SYNC rings are an integral part of the SRAM 1X™ drivetrain.
Words and photos: SRAM PR
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