Following the launch of their all-new Grappler Enduro and DH mountain bike tire, e*Thirteen are cranking out a new line of direct mount chainrings for SRAM cranks and their own-brand cranks, and they’re available in a range of anodized finishes to match their Helix R Cassettes, Plus 35 Stems, and Quick Fill Plasma Valves. At the same time, the brand is now offering a wider range of drop lengths for the Vario Infinite dropper seat post. Here’s more.
e*Thirteen Helix R Direct Mount Chainrings
Both CNC machined from billet AL-7075-T6, riders can choose between the Helix R 3-bolt Direct Mount chainring for SRAM cranks or a Helix R Direct Mount option for e*Thirteen’s own collection of cranks. e*Thirteen tell us that AL-7075-T6 delivers the lightest and longest wear-life chainring without compromising strength, bend resistance, or longevity. The 32t option weighs a claimed 51g (3-bolt).
Both get e*Thirteen’s Gen 4 narrow-wide tooth profile that is said to deliver improved chain retention and less noise. All Helix Chainrings are designed to function equally well with all 11- and 12-speed SRAM, Shimano, KM, and YBN chains. Chainring sizes include 28t, 30t, 32t and 34t, all available in Naranja, Intergalactic, Grey, Bronze and Eggplant.
All new e*Thirteen Helix R Direct Mount chainrings retail at $69.95.
e*Thirteen Vario Infinite Dropper Seat Post
The cable-actuated Vario Infinite dropper is now available in a wider range of drop lengths, covering everything from the 90mm you might see on children’s bikes or XC race bikes, right up to 210mm you might see on XL enduro mountain bike frames. There are four droppers to choose from, each offering tool-free top-out adjustment of drop length over a 30mm range:
- 90-120mm (30.9 and 31.6mm)
- 120-150mm (30.9 and 31.6mm)
- 150-180mm (30.9 and 31.6mm)
- 180-210mm (31.6mm only)
That tool-free adjustment of where the dropper tops out is available in 5mm increments over the 30mm range. That should allow riders to slam the post as far into the seat tube as possible, then dial back the drop length from top-out to achieve the maximum usable drop.
The Vario Infinite features a AL-7050-T7 forged stanchion that exceeds ISO standards for MTB even at 210mm of travel. Internals comprise an air spring, replaceable composite bushings and brass keys said to resist binding for long-term durability and a low-friction function. The force required to compress the dropper is said to be 20% less than that required for the posts of competing brands.
The Vario Infinite dropper head allows for a 28° range of saddle angle tilt, and 12mm of fore/aft saddle adjustment. Sold separately is the Vario remote that weighs a claimed 75g. That runs on a sealed cartridge bearing with a short throw forged alloy lever.
All Vario Infinite droppers retail at $219 USD. With the dropper comes 6 x 5mm travel adjust spacers. The Vario lever comes separately at a price of $49.95 USD.
