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Exclusive First Look: OneUp Second Gen RADr Cage Compatible w/ Zee and Saint Plus New Narrow Wide Chainrings

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Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (1)

Tomorrow is not only Thanksgiving here in the U.S. but it is also one year to the day that OneUp came on the scene with their first 1x drivetrain component. One of the first cassette adapters to hit the market, their 42t cog was followed by a flood of similar products and chainrings designed to help you ditch the front derailleur without dispatching your entire wallet.

In just a years’ time OneUp introduced a second 40t cassette adapter, and followed it up with a 16t replacement cog and more importantly, the first 1x derailleur modification device – the RAD cage. The time has come for OneUp to one up themselves with two new product introductions that will make it even easier to go 1x. First we have the second generation RADr cage which is meant for any Shadow + rear derailleur but specifically designed for Saint and Zee rear derailleurs. Throw in their all new narrow wide chainrings and you have the ability to OneUp your entire drivetrain all in matching green ano (or black).

Details, actual weights, and first impressions plus a special Black Friday offer next…

Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (6)

Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (7) Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (15)

Very similar in function to the original RAD cage, the RADr includes both a replacement outer and inner cage. OneUp states that the RADr cage was designed with Saint and Zee derailleurs in mind meaning it boasts the shortest derailleur cage possible that will still clear a 42t cassette cog. Even though the RADr is perfect for your gravity needs, it is also a perfect match for any Shadow + rear derailleur which is why OneUp is considering it the second generation derailleur cage.

Both the RADr and RAD cages are only needed for Shimano derailleurs, so you’ll find the outer cage is drilled with two locations for the spring hook labeled simply: XTR or non-XTR. Machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, the RADr cage weighs just 31g including the new bolt.

Installation uses the same procedure as the original RAD cage with the only difference being the installation of the rear OneUp cage instead of the Shimano. I won’t say the installation procedure is easy, but I wouldn’t consider it hard. Just make sure to watch the OneUp video and understand the steps before proceeding. If you have problems or manage to dislodge the clutch mechanism, this YouTube video from mevnet does a great job of explaining how to adjust or repair the clutch. Of course this is a great time to do some routine maintenance if your derailleur needs it. Take the time to clean and lube the necessary parts – your derailleur will thank you.

Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (14) Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (16)

Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (11)

Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (12) Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (17)

The bolt included with the RADr cage will replace the outer cage bolt from Shimano. When you’re finished you will be left with the Shimano inner and outer cages plus the Shimano outer cage bolt. You’ll also be left with a 42t compatible derailleur with a shorter cage which weighs exactly the same as the original when installed on an XT derailleur.

Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (20)

I installed the RADr cage on this XT derailleur because it was already set up for use with a 42t cassette adapter. As perfect proof to the benefits of the OneUp derailleur cage, I was able to unthread the b-tension screw 3-4 whole turns with the cage still clearing the largest cog. The increased b-tension needed to run 42t cogs has always been the main criticism of the modification, but with the RADr cage it becomes much less of a concern.

Less b-tension inevitably leads to better shifting, which is exactly what we’ve found so far. For any of our bikes set up with 42t adapters, the bikes with OneUp derailleur cages shift the best. Available in Green or Black, the RADr cage will sell for $55.

Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (2)

After spotting OneUp’s new narrow-wide chainrings at Interbike, we knew they were coming but they are definitely worth a look for their affordability if nothing else. Selling for $53 at the most, OneUp claims these are the most feature packed NW rings you can purchase for the money. Machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, OneUp will offer 30, 32, and 34t chainrings initially.

Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (3) Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (18)

The alternating teeth use a wide profile to keep the ring as durable as possible, but also include deep chamfers after each wide tooth to help evacuate mud and debris. Like other 30t NW rings, the smallest option is threaded and includes machined lips that fit inside the spider holes to allow for the 30t to fit on a 104 BCD crank.

All of the rings are currently 104 BCD though OneUp says SRAM GXP direct mount rings are on their way. The chainrings will be compatible with 9, 10, and 11 speed chains.

Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (4) Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (19)

As a bonus, the chainrings include 2mm aluminum chainline shims. Not only can the shims be used for dialing in the perfect chainline, but they also keep you from having to invest in a new single speed specific bolt set. If you note the two notches inside the chainring bore, those make the ring compatible with Shimano’s new tool-less nut design.

Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (9) Oneup components RADr rear derailleur cage shadow plus shimano xt xtr slx saint zee narrow wide (8)

On the scale the new rings come in a bit heavier than something like the Wolf Tooth Components rings, but there is a pretty big price difference between them. Available in green or black, 32 and 34t chainrings will sell for $47, while the 30t bumps up to $53.

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Combined with a 40 or 42t cassette adapter and 16t cog, OneUp now has a full 1x drivetrain option all in matching green (or black). Starting with an XT drivetrain above, $192 will get you the chainring, cassette adapter, 16t cog, and RADr derailleur cage as well as a lighter, 1x drivetrain. Not a bad deal.

To celebrate their first year of new products OneUp is offering an even better deal starting tomorrow with 20% off any order placed by Monday, December 1st using the coupon code “oneup20” at checkout. Spend more than $70 and get free shipping worldwide (prices include VAT in the EU). We were given a bit of a sneak peek on the new gear, but all the new products should be up on OneUp’s website tomorrow morning.

oneupcomponents.com

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26 Comments
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CC
CC
9 years ago

I just installed the original rad cage today and it worked well on the initial test ride. My previous experience with the 42t cog was not so great.

sbanky
sbanky
9 years ago

Will the RADr cage be compatible with any length Zee Shadow+ rear derailleur? I.E. – I have a short derailleur and I want to upgrade to the RADr.

Bastian
Bastian
9 years ago

With all this chainring reduction, it would be nice to find out how much more wear happens to the chain (and with that, rings and sprockets, eventually). I doubt that the solution of just offering a wider chainring is sufficient to overcome that.
I’d be really intrigued by a solid comparison between 3×7, 3×8, 3×9, 2×10, 1×10, 1×11 (or a more representative comparison) on a test stand, that allows for an imaginary test parcours to be ridden, but without grime to dissolve the effects of chain line distorsion. By looking at each individual chain ridden in singlespeed environment with a straight chainline, it should be possible to analyze the chain quality itself, so as to differentiate between the quality of the chain killing the setup, or the chain line distortion wearing the the components.
While I’m sure that this is not the most exciting of tests from the point of view of the tester, it would undoubtedly be an interesting result for those who ride long stretches.

anonymous
anonymous
9 years ago

I think what this really emphasizes is how expensive dedicated 1x systems are.

ZachOverholt
ZachOverholt
9 years ago

@sbanky, yes it will work. You will end up with a slightly longer cage though.

guswalls
guswalls
9 years ago

I see that some people are using a 40t cog with a zee setup. Will this new cage be a better option for a zee rear with a 40t cog as far as shifting go?

BubbRubb
BubbRubb
9 years ago

What makes this any more or less of a “dedicated 1x system”. I ask because if cost is really a big factor, I’ve been riding a 1x setup for over 4 years, first as a 1×9 and now 1×10. All it cost was maybe $15 For single-ring bolts (which I ended up not using because I wanted a bash guard, which also aided in retention) and then another $15-20 for a chain watcher for the inboard side of the chain. Sure, the chain drops, but very infrequently and really only if I’m getting airborne or blasting some nasty rock garden. Totally Fine for most of my riding. When switching to 10 spd I added the clutch r. Derailleur and now it only drops chain if I’m super rowdy or doing a rollback for whatever reason.

Nick
Nick
9 years ago

@ bubbrubb the difference is the 42t cog. Depending on where you live you need a 42t cog on those long climbs. Well most of us anyway…

chasejj
chasejj
9 years ago

On all my families MTB’s I converted to 1X and they absolutely love it. We don’t ride on the street with them so the lack of top speed is never an issue. But the lack of a FD shift and the resultant simplicity is even more of a positive than the chain management improvement.
The only bike I would not run a 1X on is a 29er MTB (go 2X) in my area due to the steep and long climbs. 26/27.5 bikes can go 1X regardless.

Jon @ OneUp
9 years ago

@sbanky – Yes it will. The result will be the shortest possible RD that can work with a 42T cog. Note – some hard tails/fatbikes have squeezed in a 42T on Zee SS but chain length is super critical. If you had to shorten a broken chain in the field you would likely loose the ability to shift to the 42T.

@guswells – Shifting will dramatically improve on a Zee running RADr with a 40T. It will allow the B-screw to be loosened ~3 turns and solidify the shifting in the 11-13-16-19 zone.

Cheers,
Jon @ OneUp

captain derp
captain derp
9 years ago

am i the only one a bit confused as to why there’s demand for increased climbing range gears for deraillers designed for downhill racing?

Jon @ OneUp
9 years ago

@The captain – The RADr will fit up to any shadow+ (clutch) RD. A lot of guys running enduro like the burliness of Saint. Zee is identical to SLX with a different cage length and paint job. Regardless of what shimano clutch RD you have, with RADr you can get the lowest profile cage available to work with an 11-42T cassette.

Jon@ OneUp

gerald t.
gerald t.
9 years ago

@captain derp- Yes, I think it’s just you.

greg
greg
9 years ago

@captain derp:
you dont need massive gears to go downhill. beyond a certain speed or incline, gravity does all the work. you do need to keep the chain on, so retention is vital. and youll need to get that bike up the mountain first, hence the gears.
not for downhill racing, for a lot of riding.
that said, im not a fan of the 1x stuff…

k
k
9 years ago

sram cage please!!!!!

Jon @ OneUp
9 years ago

@k

The Sram Type II cages are offset similarly to the RAD/RADr. As such, they offer similar B screw and shifting advantages.

Cheers.

Jon
Jon
9 years ago

I fumbled all over myself to go from 3 chainrings down to two. I was desperate to get rid of my front dérailleur and go 1x, now that I have my dream setup, I’d like to increase my gear range, so this is great for me. I can’t go back to having a front dérailleur because I wouldn’t look cool.

droptop
droptop
9 years ago

Will this work without the 42t cassette? I will be going with a 42t down the line, but smashed up my XTR r.Der and need to get back on the trails asap. running an 11-36 currently.

Jon @ Oneup
9 years ago

@droptop

Yes the RADr will work with 11-36. Cheers.

Cliff
Cliff
9 years ago

Does the RadR improve shifting over the Rad?

MBR
MBR
9 years ago

Even with a 2X drivetrain, which helps minimize cross-chaining because you avoid the small-small and lg-lg extremes, I get a very angry sounding drivetrain late into a lube run. I can only imagine that would get worse with 1X.
I did the Vapor Trail 125 this past fall and wound up finishing ahead of three people who were younger and fitter than me [I’m 57] because my 2X drivetrain granny, with a 21T small chainring and 36 cassette, allowed me to stay on the bike and spin up ALL the climbs, instead of walking. Just like the hat that does not fit all, it’s more like 1X fits most.

Paul A
Paul A
9 years ago

Was a little worried that the RADr cage may be a bit short to handle full travel of my suspension (Giant Trance 27.5 2014), but on XT rear mech it works admirably even on 42T cog. Very happy with the setup and indexes like a dream. Pity the 32T chain ring does not come with a set of longer bolts as XT aluminium bolts are not long enough. Spacers are provided and we’re required to get a pretty perfect chain line.

Kubismo
Kubismo
9 years ago

So how does the RADR compare to the RAD – specifically for an XT clutch deraileur? Which one is better to get?

GarryJ
GarryJ
9 years ago

I just ordered the Radr cage, I keep reading about the xtr shadow
=(clutch) I have a xtr m 980, will this fit by set up? I sure hope so
Thanks
Garry

Daniel Johansson
Daniel Johansson
7 years ago
Reply to  GarryJ

I also want to know if it’s good to the XTR M980.

Eugenio Miguel Jiménez Crespo
Eugenio Miguel Jiménez Crespo
3 years ago

Is it possible to combine this cage with a Ultegra 11S rear derailleur (RD-R8000-GS)? This model only is made with the SS and GS cages. And I need it to fix one SGS for smoother handling of my 11×40 cassette.

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