Wolf Tooth Components Cinches Down on Race Face Compatible Direct Mount Chainrings

Written by Zach Overholt Dec 03, 2014 1:56 p.m. ET

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One of the biggest benefits to domestic manufacturing? That would be quick turn around and the ability to adapt to new standards. Wolf Tooth Components is a perfect example as they continue to introduce new models of Drop-Stop chainrings based on consumer demand. The interesting thing about their latest offering which is compatible with Race Face Cinch cranksets, is that Wolf Tooth initially felt like they shouldn’t make the rings since they knew they couldn’t compete with Race Face on price.

That didn’t stop a large number of customers from requesting the rings, followed by a large number of dealers voicing their opinion for the Cinch compatible rings at Interbike. Wolf Tooth finally made the decision to Cinch up some new rings after their own experiences with the Cinch cranksets were overwhelmingly positive. Thinking that the market for the Cinch cranks will continue to grow based on their value, weight, and versatility, Wolf Tooth is gearing up for a full selection of RF Cinch Direct Mount Chainrings…

Currently, WTC has only 30 and 32t rings in stock and ready to ship. They will be following up with a 34t ring shortly, which will expand to a full 26-36t range based on sales of the first offerings. Compared to the RF rings, the WTC DM Cinch rings have a 49mm chainline instead of 51mm.

Also, due to WTC’s patent pending asymmetric tooth profile which results in excellent chain retention even in heavy mud, the rings are not reversible. This is important to note for anyone thinking they could be used on 190mm fat bikes with the ring flipped. Currently, the RFC rings will be a great fit for 170mm fat bikes, but not ideal for 190mm since the chainline should be another 6-8mm outboard to function properly. WTC is hoping to hear from potential customers regarding 190mm fat bikes – like most of their products, if demand is there they’ll make it happen.

Selling for $78 a piece in black, the rings are compatible with 10 and 11 speed chains. Claimed weights are listed at 26t – 52g, 28t – 59g, 30t – 65g, 32t – 70g, 34t – 75g, and 36t – 81g.

Zach Overholt

5,633 articles

Zach Overholt is the Editor in Chief of Bikerumor. He has been writing about what’s new in the bicycle world for 12+ years. Prior to that, Zach spent many years in the back of a bicycle shop building and repairing nearly every type of bike, while figuring out how to (occasionally) ride them.

Based in Ohio, Zach is now slowly introducing a new generation to cycling and still trying to figure out how to fit the most rides into a busy schedule as a new dad.

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Joe

9 years ago

August 2013 Cinch Next is released to December 2014. 16 months is quick turnaround?

9 years ago

I’m honestly surprised that there was enough demand for this. I would think most riders would want to be purists running a RF ring on a RF crank. Nothing against WT, I love their rings. Just an unexpected product.

craigsj

9 years ago

What reason would a customer have to buy this over a Race Face ring? If they offered a 24T I might have interest. Offer something no one else does.

PeterL

9 years ago

This solves a problem for me. The Raceface SL has a chainline of 51mm, this doesnt work well with the combination of BB92/XX1 cassette. XX1 cassette needs 49mm chainline. With the BB92 you cannot adjust the chainline as there are no spacers like on a 68/73. With a 51mm chainline the chain will derail if you pedal backwards, e.g.pedal back a 1/2 turn on a technical climb. The Wolftooth has a 49mm chainline, the same as SRAM XX1 crank/chainring, so it should work.
This is another reason I won’t buy another bike with a BB92, you are stuck with the chainline.

MTBKY

9 years ago

I agree with CK. There isn’t much enticing a change from the less expensive RF version. A 38t would be nice since it is not offered elsewhere. I want to run cinch cranks on the CX bike but want something bigger than a 36t.