Just a few riding seasons ago, SRAM drastically changed the mountain bike scene with the introduction of it’s XX1 gruppo. The 1x specific drivetrain featured a mix of old and new technology that single-handedly eradicated the chain guide and front derailleur from the modern trail bike. We’ve tested the XX1, Xo1, and competitors narrow-wide offerings, and they all seem to offer the same chain grabbing performance. After a number of competitors have all thrown their hat into the narrow-wide chain ring, SRAM has announced that they are licensing the technology to other companies like the Accell Group, and Chromag Bikes. Both companies will be making their own versions of officially licensed SRAM X-SYNC rings.
As for the other companies making their own anti-drop chainrings? SRAM hasn’t said that they won’t be able to make them, but they do mention that “SRAM reserves the right to enforce its intellectual property in all matters relating to X-SYNC.” That makes it seem like the real issue would be infringing on the X-SYNC patents rather than just manufacturing narrow-wide rings.
More after the break.
From SRAM:
Since its successful and celebrated introduction 2 years ago, SRAM’s popular single-ring 1X™ Drivetrains featuring X-SYNC chainrings continue to gain popularity. In an effort to provide consumers more choice – SRAM has licensed this valuable, precision-based technology to two industry partners.
This December we formally signed two license agreements for the technology, one with Canadian-based Chromag, the other with the Accell Group. Both of these top-tier industry suppliers will be manufacturing their own versions of SRAM’s X-SYNC rings, to be distributed through their own networks. Both suppliers will continue to use and support all SRAM 1X™ Drivetrain components in addition to this license.
This narrow-wide design (also referred to as thick-thin) is an original SRAM technology, designed and engineered to be paired with matching SRAM components to ensure proper function. Imitation rings not manufactured to proper SRAM specifications may result in rapid wear and poor mud clearance, both of which may result in dropped chains.
SRAM has filed numerous patent applications on narrow-wide / thick-thin tooth geometry. Our German engineering teams invented narrow-wide / thick-thin chain retention for bicycles and we continue to improve on it. We strongly believe consumers deserve both choice and design integrity in the products they purchase. SRAM reserves the right to enforce its intellectual property in all matters relating to X-SYNC.
About Accell: Accell Group N.V. (“Accell Group”) focuses internationally on the mid-range and higher segments of the market for bicycles, bicycle parts and accessories and fitness equipment. Accell has leading positions in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Finland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. Accell Group’s best known brands are Batavus (NL), Sparta (NL), Loekie (NL), Ghost (DE), Haibike (DE), Hercules (DE), Winora (DE), Raleigh and Diamondback (UK, US, CA), Lapierre (FR), Tunturi (FI), Atala (IT), Redline (US) and XLC (international). For more information visit: http://www.accell-group.com/uk/accell-group.asp
About Chromag Bikes: Chromag is a manufacturer of high end machined bicycle components based in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. In addition to a full range of quality components, Chromag also manufactures an extensive line of steel hardtails. Being a smaller company gives Chromag the ability to move quickly and bring the most relevant components to market with a heightened sense of detail and creativity. For more information visit: http://www.chromagbikes.com
SRAM X-SYNC 1X™ Chainrings provide the highest level of chain management, performance and durability. SRAM’s X-SYNC tall rectangular tooth edges engage the chain earlier than traditional triangular-shaped teeth. The sharp and narrow tooth profiles, as well as rounded chamfers, help manage a deflecting chain. To provide the best possible performance in muddy conditions, the X-SYNC chainring provides mud-clearing recesses for the chain links and rollers. Designed in Germany, X-SYNC rings are an integral part of the SRAM 1X™ drivetrain.
