WickWerks now has 4-arm chainrings, with a 34/42t combo available for Shimano cranksets. © Cyclocross Magazine
WickWërks, the former supplier of Katie Compton’s chainrings, has been hard at work at a new chainring option for Shimano 4-Arm asymmetrical 110mm BCD (bolt circle diameter) cranksets, and they’re finally ready. Cyclocross Magazine, while roaming the parking lot at CrossVegas, got a first look at the very first set to come off the CNC machines.
The new chainring option allows owners of Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 or Ultegra 6800 cranksets to switch to cyclocross-sized chainrings, or owners of the rare 36/46 Ultegra cyclocross crankset to move to smaller rings.
Wick Werks 4-arm chainrings will offer size alternatives to Shimano’s 36/46 chainrings available on Ultegra (and Dura-Ace for top pros). © Cyclocross Magazine
The 4-arm cyclocross chainring set is only initially available in 34/42t, Compton’s favorite ring sizes, so huge gear mashers may not be satisfied, but when paired with an 11t small cog, the tall gear should be plenty big for most. Ironically, Compton will not be using them this season as she is required by sponsorship agreement to use Shimano chainrings.
WickWerks chainrings won’t fit flush with Shimano cranks, but most will choose them for shifting or chainring size, not aesthetics. © Cyclocross Magazine
WickWërks’ goal was to provide another cyclocross chainring size option for Shimano crankset owners, rather than replacement rings to compete against Shimano’s own 36/46 option. With its Bridge Shift Technology, a dense series of chain ramps machined into the ring, the company also aims to improve front shifting.
The chainrings do not fit flush with the spider arms of a Dura-Ace crankset, no different than the non-Hollowtech Ultegra cyclocross rings. They also don’t come with the plastic caps to fit flush with Ultegra arms. But you’re likely to be interested in the WickWërks rings because of their size or shifting.
Wick Werks brings its Bridge Shift Technology to Shimano 4-arm road cranksets. © Cyclocross Magazine
The new 4-arm chainrings have just hit the market.
MSRP:
$146.50
More info:
WickWerks.com
