Hidden in a box hanging on the wall of their booth, was KMC’s newest product range. Already known for being one of the main producers of quality bike chains, now KMC is aiming for the gears as well.
Their new React cassette line will be e-bike compatible, and will initially be offered in 8, 9, 10, and 11-speed options (12-speed is in the works). Full details aren’t given yet, but each will use a Shimano HG freehub spline, and has a black coating on each cog. These are aimed towards the mid-level cassettes, similar to Shimano Deore. No pricing has been given yet, but with Deore-level as the target, these should be pretty affordable.
Cassette Gearing
8-speed: 11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32T
9-speed: 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32T, 11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32-36T
10-speed: 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36T, 11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32-36-42T
11-speed: 11-13-15-17-19-21-24-28-32-36-42T, 11-13-15-18-21-24-28-32-36-42-50T
Chainrings, Too
KMC has offered chainrings for Bosch ebikes for a while now, but it seems that there are plans to expand that range. Some rings will use what they call an “R-Shape” tooth pattern for chain retention, though KMC mentioned that even without it, they were not seeing dropped chains thanks to the tooth profile. Previously, the chainrings were only for Shimano or Bosch ebike motors, but one of the chainrings we were shown was clearly for a more standard BCD which indicates use on a typical crankset.
More when we have it.
