Billed as ‘the world’s first tri-specific wide-narrow single ring’, Hong Kong based Falco Bike has introduced a 54T wide-narrow single chain ring that is targeted at triathlons and time trialing.
The company, which turned heads a couple of years ago with its distinctive tri bike, the Falco V, aims to help triathletes improve the aerodynamics of their bikes with this US$99 single chain ring. According to Falco, the chain ring is estimated to save 1.5~2.5 watts depending on the relevant conditions (or up to 35 seconds over the bike leg of an Ironman).
Utilising AL7075/T6 alloy, the ring adopts a ‘wide-narrow teeth profile to help prevent chain drop, which, while an occasional occurrence, could be annoying or even devastating in a race situation.’ Compared to the single ring setup widely accepted in mountain biking and cyclo-cross, according to Falco, the R&D emphasis of this new product was to optimize teeth profile. The company feels that this enhances smoothness and efficiency while not sacrifice much ‘grabbing power’ via the narrow-wide tooth design.
This 147g ring also allows the rider to dispense with the front derailleur, front shifter and cable, further simplifying the bike with some weight and cost savings. Falco claims the 54T ring, when coupled with an 11-28 cassette allows a range of speed between 11.3mph~42.3mph (assuming cadence between 75rpm and 110rpm).
For those who need a less demanding ‘bail-out gear’, it can be combined with a 32T cog to allow an estimated 9.9mph pace at 75rpm. While this range will not suit everyone’s needs, it will be up to the athlete to decide whether the improved aerodynamics and simplicity of the bike is worth the compromise in gear range.
At 110bcd, the ring is compatible with current Shimano type 4-arm 11 speed cranks as well as similarly based power meters such as the SRM 11sp 9000. Falco notes that the rest of the drive train can be any Shimano, Sram or Campagnolo 11 speed system.
