Matt Appleman developed the 2XR direct mount chainrings and spiders to bring near-universal drivetrain compatibility to Appleman Bicycles’ beautifully manufactured 2XR crankset. What differentiates the 2XR crankset from its high-end competitors is the availability of lengths as short as 100mm.
Yes, you read that correctly. Appleman has put a huge amount of thought and work into this subject of crank length. Even as someone who can’t imagine ditching my 172.5mm crank arms, I find his reasoning sound and the subject fascinating as part of the larger subject of bike fit.
Due to their short-length options and stunning looks, the 2XR cranks have been a hit in the custom bike world. At the same time, drivetrain tolerances are becoming tighter and compatibility more specific. For Appleman, it was clear that in this age of hyper-specific drivetrain specs, a menu of spiders and a do-it-all 1x direct mount ring were key to ensuring that the 2XR crankset would have a home on any bike and work perfectly.
Appleman 2XR Direct-Mount Chainrings
The Appleman 2XR Chainrings ensure clean looks and easy fitment for gravel and mountain 1x drivetrains. Designed in partnership with renowned design firm AArN, the rings feature a unique tooth profile for maximum engagement and minimal wear. Appleman 2XR Chainrings are compatible with 9-13 speed chains and offer a simple, serviceable attachment with no bolts that can loosen up over time.
Appleman 2XR Spiders
2XR spiders are compatible with any Appleman spindle, allow flexible gearing choices, and optimize chain retention without limiting riders choice to proprietary rings. A full range of spiders means that whether you ride a gravel bike with 12-speed Shimano GRX, a track bike, or anything in between, there is a spider that will work with your chainring(s), and allow you to run a 2XR crank. All spiders can accommodate 1x and 2x setups, and like all Appleman products, can be adjusted and swapped with a 5mm Allen. The 2XR spiders are manufactured in the USA and made from 2024 Aluminum.
Spider Options:
- 110×5: A spider for road and gravel bikes and chainrings. For use with both 1x and 2x configurations. (Compatible with Praxis 48×32 tooth sub compact chainrings.)
- GRX Spider: Compatible with Shimano’s GRX chainrings. It allows you to swap chainrings from a GRX crankset. Supplied with 8 chainring bolts that fit this spider.
- 110×4 Shimano Style: A spider has an asymmetric 4-bolt pattern popularized by Shimano road groupsets. It fits 11 and 12-speed Shimano rings and many other aftermarket branded chainrings.
- 104×4: A spider for mountain through fat bikes for mountain bike chainrings. Chainring can be mounted either inside or outside, depending on chainline requirements. (Compatible with Gates Belt Drive 104×4 chainrings)
- 130×5: An oldie but a goodie. Some folks are still using 130×5 chainring or 130×5 Gates belt drive… this is the spider for that!
- 144×5 V2: A spider for track bikes and chainrings. This spider has a conventional chainring mounting interface and uses standard chainring bolts (not included). Features extra material for maximal strength and stiffness.
Pricing and Availability
Appleman 2XR Spider: Starting at $125.00 USD, available now.
Appleman 2XR Direct Mount Chainring: Starting at $185.00, available now.
