FAQ
Q: Can you guarantee my chain will never come off?
A: Almost! When combined with a clutch-type derailleur, chain-drop will not be an issue for most riders.
Q: What chains will Narrow-Wide chainrings work with?
A: Any 10, 11 or 12 speed chain will work. We always recommend a clutch-type rear derailleur for the best chain retention. However for general riding without a clutch type drops are very rare given a properly sized chain.
Q: Can I use Narrow-Wide chainrings with a front derailleur?
A: Narrow-Wide chainrings will NOT allow shifting with a front derailleur as they are specifically designed to stop the chain moving off the chainring to another cog.
Q: What is an optimal chainline for 1x?
A: 49-50mm is centered on the cassette and that is optimal for a rider that used the whole range of the cassette in a normal distribution.
Q: Can I use a Narrow-Wide chainring on my single speed?
A: Yes, they work just fine for single speed but have no advantage over a “normal” chainring unless you are using a tensioner in place of the rear derailleur.
Q: What bolts should I use for 1x chainrings?
A: You can use single chainring bolts of around 5mm depth or for best performance double chainring bolts with our spacers will give an optimum chain line. Our 30t round and 32t oval narrow-wide chainrings have built in spacers and are threaded, you only need the threaded portion of your existing chainring bolt for these.
Q: How do I determine what BCD chainring I need?
A: Often the BCD is printed or engraved somewhere on the original chainring. If not you will have to measure the distance between the bolts across the center of the cranks.
Our chainrings have a 104mm BCD which is the most common size. Always check first as there are several brands of cranks around that have different BCDs on the same model depending on the chainring ratios.
Darryl (verified owner) –
Bought the 34t option and fitted it this weekend for a 1×10. Works great, looks neat and tidy. Did a rough and rocky race and the chain stayed put. Would definitely buy again.
Martin (verified owner) –
I bought a 34 ring last year, currently over 10 000km on the ring. Had to flip it over once but still going strong. Would definitely recommend this chainring.
Michael (verified owner) –
Got the 40t Expander cog, 32t narrow wide and chainring bolts. Went together no problem and works perfectly. Definitely going to buy this product again, 42/34 version…..
Michard (verified owner) –
Using a 32T on my 1X10 set up. Love it.
Benjamin (verified owner) –
So I had a 34T raceface NW ring on and although I loved the 1X10 setup I must admit I found some hills kind of killed me. I thought I would adjust and I have but for the purposes of extended climbing ie Sabie I decided I would get a 30T and just change between the 34 and 30 as needed. Well I’m not sure I’ll be switching back to the 34 now. Took the 30 out for a spin on the spruit and although I feared I’d be slower because of the smaller ring I really didn’t feel held back by it. More importantly according to strava I was climbing significantly faster. I haven’t been training as I’ve been sick and very busy at work so I’m actually a bit out of it but I honestly felt that I was fresher all around and more able to motor up the hills with the 30T. And it gets better. I like the occasional jump in the trail and I’ve learnt that sometimes you really have to pedal hard into the face of a jump to make it count well the 30 allows me to do this much more easily. The jumps all felt somehow better with the smaller ring. One thing to note is it is alarmingly close to my chain stay. Its spaced inwards a little compared to the 34 and as a result the chain line is actually better but the teeth are millimeters from the chainstay. That said had similar concerns with my 34 though and it was never a problem. I cannot see how this NW ring is in anyway different from the RaceFace one I had before. Its super light and looks slick. I’m impressed. I now have rapide’s 780mm bar, their saddle and their NW chainring. I’m a total fan of all their products so far. I’m happy to recommend this chainring.
Stefan (verified owner) –
Bought the 30T for my 1×10 setup. Absolutely love this chain ring. Well engineered, runs like a dream. Will definitely recommend any of the Rapide chain rings to any new buyer. Good product!!!
Roelof (verified owner) –
Wayne, your service is top notch!
Before making my purchase, Wayne and I emailed back and forth about a few technical details of converting my 3x setup to a 1x setup.
I really appreciated the help and proceeded to purchase the 30T chainring where after I did the 1x conversion on my bike. And it works perfectly!
Thanks for the help and professional service! I’ll definitely do business with you in the future.
Regards,
Roelof
Andre (verified owner) –
First time buying a Rapidé. Super fast delivery! Ordered on Saturday and received it Tuesday. Best price I could find on a 30T narrow chainring and only heard good things about it. I am running this with my 1 x 10 setup with a 42T cassette. I was coming from a Race Face 34T. Got the sweet spot for my setup and very impressed with the chainring. Looks sick and very light. Will definitely support Rapidé again with these good prices!
Nicholas (verified owner) –
So far so good. It’s light, it was fairly cheap and it looks great. I’ve only had it for a few weeks so can’t comment on durability.
Jacques (verified owner) –
Ordered my second chainring from Rapide, the first one was really good and the second one looks even better.
Service from Rapide (Wayne) is excellent.
MJ (verified owner) –
The quality of the chainrings feels a lot better than the previous popular brand that I had. No chain drops so far excellent quality and service from Rapide! Everytime.
rswalker (verified owner) –
Thanks Wayne for excellent service & quick delivery. I’ve put a Rapide 30t NW chainring on a 2×10 upgrade to a 1x. I’ve put an e*thirteen 9-46 cassette on the back. That with the 30t Rapide gives me better than Eagle for a lot less bucks! The chainline is a perfect 49mm and so far so good with no dropped chains.
Gary (verified owner) –
Hi there. Bought the 104 BCD 30t chain ring yesterday and received it today. Now fitted, looks good and works perfectly. Thank you Rapide for your excellent service and great chain ring!
Shaun (verified owner) –
For my review, head over to my blog:
https://themtbdad.wordpress.com/2018/09/05/the-rapide-experience-reviewing-a-stem-bars-grip-chainring/
I also have a Facebook and Instagram account for The MTB Dad, user name: @themtbdad.
Thanks Wayne, keep up the great work!