Italian component maker Carbon-Ti reshapes their 1x MTB chainring offering with new X-Ring EVO rings that bring full 11sp & 12sp compatibility to 4-bolt 104BCD spiders. While a lot of 1x mountain bike setups have moved to direct mount chainrings, there are still plenty high-end 4-bolt cranks needing an update with some modern narrow-wide rings.
My only petty gripe is the wanton omission of carbon OR titanium. Oh well.
Carbon-Ti X-Ring EVO 1x MTB chainrings
Carbon-Ti’s new CNC-machined alloy X-Ring EVO rings were developed specifically as a mountain bike upgrade for riders with premium 4-bolt 104BCD cranksets. Think… SRAM XX1 Eagle or Quarq Eagle power meters, SRM Origin MTB or XX1 power meters, or even the latest new no-kickback Ochain Active Spider. There aren’t a ton of mountain bikers with 12-speed drivetrains & 4-bolt cranks, but now they have a solid replacement chainring option.
The new X-Ring EVO rings use a refined narrow-wide tooth profile based on the X-Cinch design Carbon-Ti introduced on their direct mount X-Directrings two years ago. Tweaking the machined shaping and tooth design allowed Carbon-Ti to ensure complete Shimano and SRAM 11sp & 12sp compatibility with all chains.
The new shaping is also said to run more quietly, reduce friction, and “prevent premature wear”. The new X-Ring EVO chainrings also are better at self-cleaning in muddy conditions, while maintaining reliable chain retention.
The 7075-T6 aluminum rings are made in Italy by Carbon-Ti and feature direct threading for improved stiffness and a bit of weight reduction. The X-Ring EVO rings are available now in 30, 32, 34, 36, or 38T sizes for 70€ each (27-57g per ring depending on size). They are installed with most standard M8x0.75 male chainring bolts (not M8.5 XX1 bolts), or you can buy the Carbon-Ti alloy bolt kit for 15€ in one of seven ano colors to match your bike.