A single chain ring to rule them all?

American component manufacturer SRAM has taken the single chain ring concept used on its mountain bike and Cyclo-cross groupsets and ported it to the road.

SRAM has introduced single chain rings to its road groupsets.

The Rival 1 and Force 1 groups have both borrowed features from the duo of dirt disciplines in order to simplify the shifting experience for users.

Technical specs:

• Forged aluminum with detachable spider 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50T X-SYNC™ tall, square tooth design provides maximum chain control
• Sharp, narrow tooth profile and rounded chamfer edges help manage a deflected chain
• Mud-clearing recesses for the inner chain links and rollers 24 and 30mm options
• Compatible with 130mm & 135mm
• Technologies: X-SYNC™, GXP, BB30, PFGXP, PF30 799g – 24mm, 172.5mm, 42T, no BB.

It's anticipated that the groupsets will be a favourite for adventure riders who avoid well worn paths, as well as criterium specialists, time triallists/triathletes and more broadly, those who just ride for fun and fitness and might appreciate shifting simplicity.