Tomorrow is not only Thanksgiving here in the U.S. but it is also one year to the day that OneUp came on the scene with their first 1x drivetrain component. One of the first cassette adapters to hit the market, their 42t cog was followed by a flood of similar products and chainrings designed to help you ditch the front derailleur without dispatching your entire wallet.
In just a years’ time OneUp introduced a second 40t cassette adapter, and followed it up with a 16t replacement cog and more importantly, the first 1x derailleur modification device – the RAD cage. The time has come for OneUp to one up themselves with two new product introductions that will make it even easier to go 1x. First we have the second generation RADr cage which is meant for any Shadow + rear derailleur but specifically designed for Saint and Zee rear derailleurs. Throw in their all new narrow wide chainrings and you have the ability to OneUp your entire drivetrain all in matching green ano (or black).
Details, actual weights, and first impressions plus a special Black Friday offer next…
Very similar in function to the original RAD cage, the RADr includes both a replacement outer and inner cage. OneUp states that the RADr cage was designed with Saint and Zee derailleurs in mind meaning it boasts the shortest derailleur cage possible that will still clear a 42t cassette cog. Even though the RADr is perfect for your gravity needs, it is also a perfect match for any Shadow + rear derailleur which is why OneUp is considering it the second generation derailleur cage.
Both the RADr and RAD cages are only needed for Shimano derailleurs, so you’ll find the outer cage is drilled with two locations for the spring hook labeled simply: XTR or non-XTR. Machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, the RADr cage weighs just 31g including the new bolt.
Installation uses the same procedure as the original RAD cage with the only difference being the installation of the rear OneUp cage instead of the Shimano. I won’t say the installation procedure is easy, but I wouldn’t consider it hard. Just make sure to watch the OneUp video and understand the steps before proceeding. If you have problems or manage to dislodge the clutch mechanism, this YouTube video from mevnet does a great job of explaining how to adjust or repair the clutch. Of course this is a great time to do some routine maintenance if your derailleur needs it. Take the time to clean and lube the necessary parts – your derailleur will thank you.
The bolt included with the RADr cage will replace the outer cage bolt from Shimano. When you’re finished you will be left with the Shimano inner and outer cages plus the Shimano outer cage bolt. You’ll also be left with a 42t compatible derailleur with a shorter cage which weighs exactly the same as the original when installed on an XT derailleur.
I installed the RADr cage on this XT derailleur because it was already set up for use with a 42t cassette adapter. As perfect proof to the benefits of the OneUp derailleur cage, I was able to unthread the b-tension screw 3-4 whole turns with the cage still clearing the largest cog. The increased b-tension needed to run 42t cogs has always been the main criticism of the modification, but with the RADr cage it becomes much less of a concern.
Less b-tension inevitably leads to better shifting, which is exactly what we’ve found so far. For any of our bikes set up with 42t adapters, the bikes with OneUp derailleur cages shift the best. Available in Green or Black, the RADr cage will sell for $55.
After spotting OneUp’s new narrow-wide chainrings at Interbike, we knew they were coming but they are definitely worth a look for their affordability if nothing else. Selling for $53 at the most, OneUp claims these are the most feature packed NW rings you can purchase for the money. Machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, OneUp will offer 30, 32, and 34t chainrings initially.
The alternating teeth use a wide profile to keep the ring as durable as possible, but also include deep chamfers after each wide tooth to help evacuate mud and debris. Like other 30t NW rings, the smallest option is threaded and includes machined lips that fit inside the spider holes to allow for the 30t to fit on a 104 BCD crank.
All of the rings are currently 104 BCD though OneUp says SRAM GXP direct mount rings are on their way. The chainrings will be compatible with 9, 10, and 11 speed chains.
As a bonus, the chainrings include 2mm aluminum chainline shims. Not only can the shims be used for dialing in the perfect chainline, but they also keep you from having to invest in a new single speed specific bolt set. If you note the two notches inside the chainring bore, those make the ring compatible with Shimano’s new tool-less nut design.
On the scale the new rings come in a bit heavier than something like the Wolf Tooth Components rings, but there is a pretty big price difference between them. Available in green or black, 32 and 34t chainrings will sell for $47, while the 30t bumps up to $53.
Combined with a 40 or 42t cassette adapter and 16t cog, OneUp now has a full 1x drivetrain option all in matching green (or black). Starting with an XT drivetrain above, $192 will get you the chainring, cassette adapter, 16t cog, and RADr derailleur cage as well as a lighter, 1x drivetrain. Not a bad deal.
To celebrate their first year of new products OneUp is offering an even better deal starting tomorrow with 20% off any order placed by Monday, December 1st using the coupon code “oneup20” at checkout. Spend more than $70 and get free shipping worldwide (prices include VAT in the EU). We were given a bit of a sneak peek on the new gear, but all the new products should be up on OneUp’s website tomorrow morning.
