SECTOR GUIDE: Chains, gears, cranks

Madison
The new SLX M670 is part of Shimano’s versatile SLX component group, ideal for instantly upgrading and custom building rides. Any MTB can be rider-tuned with a smooth shifting, long running 2×10 or 3×10 drivetrain. Chain slap can be reigned in with the roller clutch on Shimano’s revolutionary Shadow+ rear derailleur. Ice Technologies disc brakes and the ergonomics of the RapidFire plus shifter put control in the hands of the cyclist. Find out more directly from Madison.
www.madisonb2b.co.uk

Chicken Cyclekit
KMC chains’ latest model is the Limited Edition X11 SL Vaconsoleil World Tour Edition (2013) in black/Bianchi green. The X11 SL WTE is coated in DLC (Diamond Like Coating) which is extremely hard wearing, significantly reducing wear on chain rings and sprockets, keeping the chain looking good for years. The bad news is there are only 500pcs worldwide.

Campagnolo’s line-up includes the Athena 11x Chainset. Thanks to the help of the brand’s R&D department, Campag’s new triple chainsets have the best ‘U’ and ‘Q’ factors in their class, Campagnolo says, which helps to give perfect hip-knee-foot alignment for ultimate pedalling efficiency and maximum joint protection. Shift speed and precision are on par with most double groups and it’s now available in 10 or 11 speed versions, in silver or black. 

01525 381347

Clarks Cycle Systems
Clarks has just completed an overhaul of its chain range. The latest offerings are more advanced, with improved durability and strength, says Clarks, adding that its chains scored especially well over leading competitors in recent stretch tests – over a 72 hour period (1584km approx) Clarks chains showed significantly less chain stretch than leading suppliers, equating to longer chain life expectancy.

Clarks now offers a chain for every level of rider at all different price points aiming to deliver great quality, reliability, durability, style and value for money for the rider.

The Clarks range includes the ingenious Self-lubricating Chain which releases lubricant down the entire length of the chain, prolonging life. The anti-rust chain is tested to withstand 500 hours (standard is 250 hours) of salt spray and the Half-link Chain has a tensile strength of 1300kg/f, ideal for single speeds. The PTFE Coated Chain is available in a great range of colours and the range is completed with the robust and highly reliable Standard Chain, available in all speeds. If you’re heading to Eurobike, go to booth B1 – 103 to see the complete range.
www.clarkscyclesystems.com
01827 382 800

Moore Large
KMC’s been making chains for many years now and produces over 80 million a year for a wide range of companies. KMC’s XSLsuper light range sits at the top of the road range with 9, 10 and 11- speed compatible chains available. Fitting is a doddle with the KMC missing link system and the gold finish of the blingin’ XSL looks good and sports a titanium nitride coating, improving wear. At 243g (X10sl) out of the box, this slip of a thing starts from £52.99 for the Xsl 9-speed silver and goes up to £79.99 for the limited edition chains.

The Microshift gearing range includes the Bona group, featuring hi-polish and anodised/Ti coated road levers complete with Teflon cable, front braze on derailleur weighing 98g and rear derailleur weighing 199g. Microshift also furnishes riders with the Centos group – classic polish road levers with Teflon cable, front braze on derailleur weighing 98g and rear derailleur weighing 201g.

MTB additions include two 9-speed groups, the Marvo XE and Marvo LE. The former has lightweight compact shifters, triple front derailleur and dual spring rear derailleur in CNC black/silver finish. The front derailleur incorporates a new super stiff top link design for smooth shifting.
sales@moorelarge.co.uk

Oxford Products
Oxford Products has a wide variety of drivetrain parts with a comprehensive range of chain sets and cranks available to retail, including Cottered Cranksets and LH Cranks for traditional bicycle restorations. The Cottered Cranks retail at £14.99, while the LH Cranks are priced at £4.99. Find out more from Oxford at
cycle@oxprod.com

Claud Butler
The Claud Butler parts and accessories range boasts a selection of Sunrace and Shimano gear components as well as the Dirtwash, TF2 and GT85 products normally used to clean, lubricate and maintain the performance of the drivetrain’s components.

Chains and cable sets complete the line-up with both retail and workshop packs available to the trade. More details available direct from Claud Butler.
01652 656000

Ison
Gusset offers superlight Woodstock 853 cranks as well as great value EXP and TAF24 cranks alongside an assortment of chains and chainrings. CNC’d MX spiders are made specifically for race BMX use. Gusset also offers a great range of VFM chain guides. Surly provides Mr Whirly cranks and a large range of best selling stainless steel chainrings are joined by the O.D. cranks which are fat-bike specific.

Driven’s lightweight quality gears are for road or MTB use. High-end carbon cranks and derailleurs are complemented by alloy. Cassettes aren’t forgotten either with a gear range and price to suit most.
Sunrace offers workshop replacement cassettes, BBs and cranks as well as great value shifters.
MRP’s Camber cranks have been a DH favourite, paired with the Podium chainrings. MRP’s G3’s and AM chain guides are available too.

Sturmey Archer needs no introduction, while Passport Elements Anti-Rust chain has a special anti-rust coating which provides up to ten times more resistance to corrosion compared to conventional chain finishes. Other highlights from the vast Ison portfolio include Genetic Tibia track cranks and chainrings, 4Jeri’s budget chains, the All City line-up and the Renthal SR4 chainrings, currently appearing across the board in DH, XC, trail, jump and enduro bikes. Further Ison highlights include Gran Compe’s single track cranks and chainrings and Deluxe BMX has two chainwheels – the Pom Pom and the F-Lite.
01353 662662

Zyro
Based in Osaka, Japan, Izumi is long-established as a favourite with track racers and with fixie and single speed fans.

The Japanese NJS approved V-Chain Super Tough (£69.99) is a formidable chain built for purpose and coming in a flash gold and black finish. The Izumi Super Tough Chain was the chain of choice for the Team GB Olympic track cycling team, fact fans.

Izumi’s standard 1/2 x 1/8 chains (from £11.99) are available in Black, Silver, Gold and Mixed Colours, at a more affordable price for a funky and functional upgrade for an urban warrior or track speedster.
01845 521 700