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We are thrilled to introduce our newest innovation—the 2x Chainring, made in collaboration with CSixx Components. The 2x Chainring is engineered for superior performance and durability, this chainring is designed to take your cycling experience to the next level.

Our 2x chainrings, made in partnership with CSixx Components are now available for pre-order. To celebrate its launch, we’re offering an exclusive pre-sale deal with 10% off until December 17th.

In the first release we have 54/40 - 55/40 - 60/46 - 62/48 available in both Shimnao and 4x110 BCD mounting options, for use with Shimano-standard 12-speed chains and cassettes (not compatible with SRAM Flattop).

Those are the Headline Numbers: Real Sizes for Racing

The current trend amongst groupset manufacturers is for smaller chainrings. Shimano’s standard chainring size used to be 53/39, now it’s 52/36, or even 50/34. This is similar on SRAM too, the ‘standard’ chainring is a 50T, or in some cases a 48T. Race speeds are getting faster and in competition especially, athletes no longer accept compromises in driveline efficiency. Groupset manufacturers make compromises based on reducing SKUs and bizarre marketing claims. Being performance-driven brands, Sync and cSixx are not limited by this, we are purely focused on race outcomes.

“We are not an aftermarket accessory, we are an upgrade” - Cam Roach, cSixx Components

Our feedback comes from the consumer, using our products to attain a performance benefit. Large chainrings are not just for the pro-ranks, everyone can benefit from considerations to gear ratios and driveline efficiency.

“The uptake and feedback on our 1x chainrings has been extremely positive. We have taken this and applied it to 2x, with chainring sizes that cover the needs of amateur and professional athletes, when training and racing demands a larger set of gear ratios.” - Ken Ballhause, Sync Ergonomics

Why 2x? 

In the right conditions, we are big believers in 1x technology. However, we recognise that this is course-specific. Our move into 2x chainrings is driven by improving a rider’s options around equipment to make them more efficient. 

We never want a rider to compromise. If you have to compromise, then you are leaving performance on the table. If a course calls for a 1x chainring, that’s what we’d encourage a rider to run. However, if there’s a steep climb, then perhaps the 1x option means they’re pedalling at a sub-optimal cadence. That’s why we designed our 2x chainrings, we can now provide options for all scenarios. 

“On the Triathlon side of things, Nice 2025 is the perfect example of a course that we believe will necessitate more gearing options. Same in World Tour competition, where courses in the Giro, Tour and Vuelta often have stages where 1x leaves athletes short of the gear ratios they require.” - Ken Ballhause, Sync Ergonomics

This move is driven by road racing too. We’d refer to the 55/40 option as our ‘sprint chainring’ - expect to see this in action at the World Tour level in 2025, with certain athletes.

The Technology

CSixx’s high-level design and manufacturing capability have resulted in exceptional 1x chainrings. Their unique 1x chainring tooth profile is what made them stand out for us. This tooth technology evolved from the early days of cSixx, when working on mountain bike products where chain retention was a number one priority. 

“It was always on the downhill bikes, make sure the chain stays on. We’ve now taken that onto the road scene.” - Mark Hopkins, CSixx Components founder

Thick-Thin is not relevant to 2x solutions, but the detail in their design process has now been applied to the 2x chainrings. The level of detail that has gone into the combination of tooth profile, shift ramps and shift pins, is on another level. This detail shines through in performance, smooth running and shift quality.

Why do we use 7075 T6 aluminium and not a hybrid construction? 

The materials play a huge role in the success of the chainrings too. All of our chainrings use CNC machined 7075 T6 aluminium. Aluminium is the best option. The difficulty of manufacturing a complex tooth design leaves you with only so many opportunities with the material and this has been tried and tested with the 1x solutions. 

“Carbon-toothed chainrings, while lightweight, often struggle with chain retention and durability, especially when subjected to extreme chainlines. In contrast, our aluminium chainrings excel in these areas, thanks to our ability to machine precise surface shapes that enhance both chain retention and wear resistance.” Mark Hopkins - cSixx Components founder

CSixx x Sync Ergonomics 

‘Every one of our products have needed a why, and a USP. For our 1x chainrings specifically, that has been our thick-thin tooth profile’. - Marc van der Meer, CSixx Components

The relationship between Australian based Sync Ergonomics, and the South African CSixx Components started when a mutual customer introduced the two companies. Ken was looking for a partner to manufacture the 1x driveline products, but wasn’t happy with what was currently on the market. 

CSixx were born in the mountain bike world. Their founder, Mark Hopkins’ background is in design and manufacturing. He first worked on setting up Leatt Corporation, a protective sportswear company, designing their neckbrace and opening factories in China. Then, in 2016, he decided to bring everything in-house. He wanted to create things that give him, and the people he works with, energy. CSixx Components was born. 

CSixx is our manufacturing partner for driveline products and collectively we are pushing the boundaries of driveline performance, for 1x and now 2x solutions. Working closely with a manufacturing partner that is as driven by performance as we are, has resulted in products that we can proudly hang our hats on as best-in-class. 

Now Available for Preorder

Our 2x chainrings are now available for preorder via our online store. Compatible with the Shimnao chain standard (not SRAM Flattop), the initial release will cover both 4x110 BCD spiders and Shimano cranks, in the following sizes: 54/40, 55/40, 60/46 and 62/48. 

The second release will include 56/42, 58/44 and 64/50t options for both Shimnao and 4x110 BCD spiders, and will be available late Jan 2025.

Head over to our website now to learn more and place your pre-order before stock runs out!