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Wolf Tooth Components Turns out New BCD and Threads to Fit Shimano’s new XTR M9000

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Wolf Tooth Components has built their reputation on quality Drop-Stop chainrings that are made in the USA. Part of that has to be their knack for offering solutions to drivetrain and BCD problems before we knew they existed. Problems like finding a replacement chainring for your fancy new Shimano XTR M9000 crankset. We have yet to test the Shimano 1x chainrings which do not use a narrow-wide profile, but even if they work as promised their reported price tag somewhere around $160 will be hard to swallow if you want to change ratios.

That’s where WTC components steps in. Already turning out chainrings in the newer 96mm BCD, WTC’s Patent Pending tooth profile now goes to 9000…

WT-96BCD-32T-Black-01

When it comes to the new M9000 crankset, not only is there a different BCD which is also found on the XT M782 and SLX M672 cranksets (though it’s not clear if the bolts are in the same location – we’re looking into it), but there is also a new bolt system for XTR. UPDATE: Wolf Tooth confirmed our assumption that the bolt spacing for the XT and SLX cranksets are NOT the same as the XTR, even though they are both 96mm BCD. The XT and SLX cranks use a symmetrical 4 bolt pattern, while XTR uses unevenly spaced bolts. WTC does plan to offer XT and SLX compatible 96mm BCD chainrings in the near future.

Instead of the traditional M8 chainring bolts that work for other chainrings, Shimano has made the move to M7 hardware which threads into the chainring. Because of this, Wolf Tooth recommends using the stock Shimano hardware with the new ring. Using a design much like the WTC 30t chainring for 104 BCD cranksets, the Shimano ring has built in threaded standoffs to dial in the chainline. According to WTC, the M9000 1x ring is listed as having a 51mm chainline, yet WTC feels 49mm is ideal due to the fact that the 40t cassette cog is dished towards the spokes.

WT-96BCD-32T-Black-02

If you’ve ever wondered what makes the WTC tooth design unique, there is a new section on their website that explains the tooth profile in detail. The short version is that the directional design is specially designed so that one side of the tooth engages securely with the chain, and the other side is specifically shaped to clear mud and grease. Machined in Minneapolis out of 7075 aluminum, XTR 9K chainrings will be available in 30, 32, 34, and eventually a 36t. Price is set at $74.95.

wolftoothcycling.com

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lellosaurus
lellosaurus
9 years ago

After the cx world last week, where many sram riders dropped the front ring… including people losing the title because of it… i wonder how many pro’s will continue without the chain guide? it is not the tooth profile to prevent chain drop, but the clutch derailer…

Elliot
Elliot
9 years ago

Hmmm, are there any third party rings available for current Shimano *road*cranks yet?

dead
dead
9 years ago

Raceface makes some for 110 and 130 bcd

dead
dead
9 years ago

@Elliot Raceface makes rings for 110 and 130 BCD

http://www.raceface.com/components/rings/rings/cx-nw-ring/

Ventruck
Ventruck
9 years ago

^he’s talking about the current 9000/6800/5700 4-arm design. I’ve seen a set from Specialties TA and Miche, and then the oval selection by O.Symetric and Rotor.

I think the aftermarket is slow with this because not only is it different, but right now Shimano, Campagnolo, and FSA are running different standards on the 4-arm design while SRAM still runs it’s 5-arm setup with the hidden bolt.

Frank
Frank
9 years ago

Looks like OneUp Components have new XTR rings too.
http://www.facebook.com/OneUp.Components

Andrew
Andrew
9 years ago

Why would you want this when Shimano offer the XTR chainset in a single ring version aready? I do understand people with older multiple ring chainsets moving to a 1x system, but surely if you are considering 9000 XTR your decision is already made and the full factory version is lighter, and looks more integrated? I hesitate to say looks ‘better’ since the new XTR chainset is by any standard pretty cheap and awful looking!

scant
scant
9 years ago

I guess people would buy the wolftooth & one-up m9000 compatible chainrings are they’re nearly $100 cheaper than xtr

CXisfun
CXisfun
9 years ago

@scant: while I assume you’re probably right, if you’re already popping for M9000 it seems like $100 probably isn’t the biggest concern….

Andrew H
Andrew H
9 years ago

The xtr single rings are $160 each. Thats why this will sell. The one up is also lighter. But I agree, if you are dropping the bills for XTR9000 you might as well have a factory ring.

Gabe
Gabe
9 years ago

@Andrew I agree..The XTR 9000 cranks are ugly. There is no way around it. If there was some groundbreaking technology associated with the shape of the cranks, sure, have them be ugly. So ugly.

chasejj
chasejj
9 years ago

Even if my bike came with XTR crank. I think the outstanding flexibility of gearing choices, weight of the Next SL and performance of the Raceface spiderless design cranks make them the new standard.
I predict many Shimano MTB cranks for sale on Ebay as riders realize this fact. In fact w/o a 42T cog option Shimano is fading from my memory on the next bike purchases. I have never been a SRAM guy but the latest offerings from Shimano are making SRAM look very attractive.

hjb
hjb
9 years ago

What’s with all the Shimano hate, the FC-M9000-1 Race cranks are awesome. Folks are forgetting:

1. The XTR chainrings have titanium teeth, therefore much better durability. Alloy chainrings are lighter or course, but they wear out a lot faster.
2. The 34 & 36T sizes are ‘Hollowglide’ as per their road rings, providing increased rigidity.
3. Show me a reliable alloy mtb crank that is lighter than XTR (not silly Euro weight weenie)?
4. Shimano external BB system is the best on the market for durability and preload. GXP- please, what a piece of crap.
5. The Race cranks are actually available in a decent 158 Q-factor. The Raceface cranks are pretty crap in this regard. If you are XC focused, being able to spin well is important for a lot of people.

Ilikeicedtea
Ilikeicedtea
9 years ago

No way someone can spin a crank 9mm wider than the XTR cranks.

It’s imposibru!

Ilikeicedtea
Ilikeicedtea
9 years ago

Unless you move your cleat outboard 4.5mm per side.

Terry
Terry
9 years ago

Dear Bike Industry:
Stop creating new BCDs!!!
Regards,
Terry

Phila
Phila
9 years ago

My old knees need a 28t for my 29er… If with a 104mm BCD you can go 30t why you can’t go 28t with 96mm? More or less is a 10% decrease in both cases…

Dan
Dan
9 years ago

Ordered 2/9
Delivered and Installed 2/11 (30t)
Shimano 30t still back ordered with no ETA (it was a pre-order many months ago)
Quick, easy, lighter, and on the bike.

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