Chain-hugging chainrings from a muddy place
Carved from solid aluminum in Denmark, T-Bolt’s new narrow-wide chainrings are the first we’ve seen since SRAM’s X-Glide make claims about their mud shedding capability. Seen (by T-Bolt) as narrow-wide rings’ biggest problem, some aftermarket narrow-wide designs can pack mud beneath the teeth, making for rough running an increasing the liklihood of a thrown chain. To address this issue, T-Bolt’s wide teeth are specifically designed to move much and gunk away from the chain, improving retention in poor weather.
Available in both GXP (SRAM) direct-mount and standard 104bcd fitments, the NarrowWide Blades are CNC machined from 7075 aluminium and anodised for aesthetics and (some) added durability. Given the look of the shiny in-process pieces and the way that anything intended for mud use wears, it’s hard not to hope for a raw option.
Both models are available now in 32, 34, and 36 tooth counts. Pricing runs Dkk 600 (£64/$110) for the spiderless GXP, Dkk 500 (£53/$91) for the 104BCD.