At this point Wolf Tooth Components has just about mastered the art of aluminum narrow wide chainrings, so they are trying something new. Instead of aluminum, the newest WTC direct mount chainring will be machined from stainless steel. Targeting the SRAM Direct Mount market, the stainless rings will start with a 24t model with a 26 or 28t possibly on the way based on demand.
If you found that surprising, just wait until you see the prototype for their next aluminum chainring…
Starting with the 24t ring, the WTC Stainless DM chainrings will be machined from hardened steel that is heat treated and electro polished. Based on a 49-50mm chainline, the rings will sell for $100 and will use WTC’s patented Drop-Stop tooth profile.
As a way to better explain the design features of their Drop-Stop chainrings, Wolf Tooth Components enlisted the help of a local 3D printing outfit. The result is comically large chainrings made with some impressive machinery.
Speaking of 3D printing, maybe the most surprising product at the WTC booth was still in rough printed form. No it’s not an odd angle, that is an oval chainring that will be available from Wolf Tooth Components. The elliptical rings will use the standard Drop-Stop tooth profile and will first be offered in 104 BCD rings in 32 and 34t options. Expect these in about 6 weeks with a retail around $60-70.
If you prefer your chainrings perfectly round, WTC has some new options to make dialing in 1x drivetrains easier than ever. The new 64 BCD ring is available in 26 or 28t and is meant to be run on the inside of your double or triple crank. Pair the 64BCD ring with the new 104 BCD bash guard which has a 30t max size though larger guards are on the way. The 64 BCD rings sell for $63.95.
Running a Surly OD or Cannondale SISL2 crank? WTC has you covered there too. The Surly OD ring uses a 5 bolt 94 BCD pattern and will be available in 28/30/32 with 30t rings just now coming into stock. The Cannondale direct mount ring is meant as the ideal 1x ring for cross or road, with 38, 40, and 42t rings with a chainline ideal for road and cross bikes.
