1x crank alternatives

Just wondering if there are any third party alternatives to say a SRAM Rival/Force 1 crankset? Not found much... a cheaper FSA and the Easton. Any others around? Thanks.

Wolftooth components makes drop stop chainrings that convert standard 2x cranks to 1x. I converted a Shimano 5800 2x crankset to 1x. Paired with a medium cage Shimano 6800 der. it works very well --- even though the 6800 rear der. has no clutch or extra spring tension. I haven't dropped a chain yet riding on unpaved roads in rural NH. If you already own a compatible 2x crankset, it is a relatively inexpensive upgrade. I also use a Wolftooth Roadlink which allows me to run 11-40 11 speed mountain bike cassette in the back. Go to :https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/cyclocross-road

Since the Wolftooth chainring requires shorter chainring bolts, you will either have to use spacers, or Wolftooth chainring bolts. While pricey, the Wolftooth alloy replacement bolts are very well made and make the installation very easy. The customer support from Wolftooth is also first rate.

Finally, initially I purchased a 40T Wolftooth; but I found that a the 36T was a better choice for the kind of riding I do. I suggest you focus on the low end of your gear set, rather than the high end. I think that unless your race, you'll like the smaller chainring for the increased low end gearing and smaller jumps at the high end.

any 110BCD 2x crank will work with a 110BCD SRAM (or several other) 1x specific chainring. The SRAM 1x rings are meant to be mounted in the big ring position and actually position the teeth further inboard than a standard 2x ring to provide a better chainline. I believe this is the same with Wolftooth. If you're wanting to do direct mount rings then, yes, options get limited. 

delore wrote:Just wondering if there are any third party alternatives to say a SRAM Rival/Force 1 crankset? Not found much... a cheaper FSA and the Easton. Any others around? Thanks.

The only difference between a 1x SRAM crank and a 2x SRAM crank is the logo. The spiders are in the exact same position. Are you specifically looking for something with a removable spider so you can do a direct mount ring?

bobknh wrote:Wolftooth components makes drop stop chainrings that convert standard 2x cranks to 1x. I converted a Shimano 5800 2x crankset to 1x. Paired with a medium cage Shimano 6800 der. it works very well --- even though the 6800 rear der. has no clutch or extra spring tension. I haven't dropped a chain yet riding on unpaved roads in rural NH. If you already own a compatible 2x crankset, it is a relatively inexpensive upgrade. I also use a Wolftooth Roadlink which allows me to run 11-40 11 speed mountain bike cassette in the back. Go to :https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/cyclocross-road

Since the Wolftooth chainring requires shorter chainring bolts, you will either have to use spacers, or Wolftooth chainring bolts. While pricey, the Wolftooth alloy replacement bolts are very well made and make the installation very easy. The customer support from Wolftooth is also first rate.

Finally, initially I purchased a 40T Wolftooth; but I found that a the 36T was a better choice for the kind of riding I do. I suggest you focus on the low end of your gear set, rather than the high end. I think that unless your race, you'll like the smaller chainring for the increased low end gearing and smaller jumps at the high end.

My experience with Wolftooth and XT cranks is good. Same for SRAM compatible rings. I have a Wolftooth 1x ring with correct chainline for the Shimano crank and it's been great. I also like the Shimano crank and bottom bracket in general.

Have you considered the Rotor Vegast? Modular system, can use either a 1x dedicated spider, or a 2x dedicated spider. And you have the option to run either round rings or their oval Q-rings.

White Industries is a little more expensive, but well worth the price, IMO.

http://www.whiteind.com/g30

Praxis also makes some really good cranks for 1x.

https://praxiscycles.com/product/zayante/