Originally Posted by
fietsbob
Cyclocross racing single ring, uses regular chain rings too , simply has other chain retention devices
such as added outer ring guards .. polished, anodized or carbon fiber..
narrow-wide is just today's trend.. as is gravel racing in the farmlands..
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Chainring guards, chain guides, clutch derailleurs, narrow wide rings ... they are all solutions to the problem. I'm not sure that trendiness is a negative thing in this context, though, because trends seem to follow effective design for drivetrains. Not so much for other things like bike lights, though.