Times were simpler when 1x narrow-wide chainrings first appeared. Both literally and figuratively. In terms of chainrings, it was pretty much one tooth profile fits most (chains). Now of course, things have gotten more complicate. Shimano 12 speed MTB drivetrains perform best with their own specific tooth profile, while other mountain bike groups like SRAM Eagle perform better with a different tooth profile than road and gravel groups. Needless to say, when it comes to the consumer navigating the sea of options for chainrings, things have gotten a bit… confusing.
To make one of those options a little easier to narrow down, Wolf Tooth Components is renaming their Drop-Stop tooth profile. Don’t worry – the impressive chain retention of the Drop- Stop rings isn’t changing. Only the name.
For now, Wolf Tooth will have three different Drop-Stop tooth profiles named Drop-Stop A, Drop-Stop B, and Drop-Stop ST. The easiest category is Drop-Stop ST, which covers everything with a 12 speed Shimano Hyperglide+ chain. Drop-Stop A and B are a little more complicated because there is quite a bit of cross over – basically, any 9, 10, and 11 speed chains plus 12 speed SRAM Eagle chains can be used with either A or B. The difference is that A includes KMC and Wippermann Connex chains. However, if you want to run a 12 speed SRAM Flattop chain (used on SRAM AXS eTap groups), or 12 speed Campagnolo, you’ll need the Drop-Stop B chainring.
As mentioned, nothing is changing with the actual tooth profile, so with the exception of a new laser etched A, B, or ST on the chainring, it’s business as usual.
Updated Shimano Direct Mount Options
There is one slight update to their chainrings though, and this one is again focused on the new Shimano groups. Want to run a new direct mount Shimano crankset but with some chain other than a Hyperglide+ 12 speed chain? Well, WTC got enough requests for exactly that so they added a new Drop-Stop A tooth profile option to their Shimano Direct Mount rings. As noted above, Drop-Stop A will work with SRAM Eagle 12 speed, and all 9, 10, and 11 speed chains giving you plenty of options.
These will be offered in 32 and 34T round rings or 32T eliptical for $79.95. Available now.
Learn more at WolfToothComponents.com.
