"The new track setup takes advantage of the narrow spacing and reduced chain pin length of 11 speed chains"

https://www.bikerumor.com/2017/03/09...e/#more-153558


Spec'd & priced at the elite track racer level but finally a new-ish take on the venerable FG drivetrain.

"The Kappstein Pro Line chainrings and cogs were raced by the Germans in Rio where Kristina Vogel won gold in Women’s Sprint, and picket up a Bronze in the Team Sprint together with Miriam Welte. Obviously the ring and cog then have been designed to handle the most extreme forces on the track, so paired with a top-notch 11 speed chain, they should be up to the task of cruising around town under your non-Olympic medal winning legs."

Indeed.

I'll stick w/ an old 48T NR road chainring & 1/2 x 3/32 NOS Sedisport chain but this is just Cool.

-Bandera

Kinda interesting. I wonder what the difference would be in long-term durability -- something riders like Vogel don't have to worry about on their Olympic bikes, but a pretty big concern for self-funder riders. Would also be interested to see what the actual difference is in terms of aerodynamics and friction. Probably minimal, and a difference maker only at the highest levels of racing, but cool that they're trying new stuff. Like Felt's left-side drive pursuit bikes.

I love that Phil Wood made the hubs and new lockrings for those Felt bikes.

Not much different than using a 3/32" cog, chainring and chain. My Wabi Lightning is set up that way and it seems a wee bit smoother than my 1/8" setups, but no significant difference in wear. Also, if they are really concerned with aerodynamics, then the chainring should be soiid w/o cutouts.

Kappstein makes some interesting stuff but I gotta wonder what the point is for this? I saw it and was like hmmmm...kind of cool but nobody else makes it so it makes it semi-proprietary and that just doesn't jive as well with me. 1/8 and 3/32 has been fine and surely you could develop that into something even better. Plus with all the modern lightweight technology you could easily save weight elsewhere on the bike or have a lighter drivetrain in the standard category.

I think the "lightweight" aspect of it is pretty silly anyway.

Would it be any less durable than the same chain on an 11 speed drivetrain? It doesn't have to endure the wear of derailing on a fixed great setup, and your legs can only produce so much torque.

I was thinking more of durability of chainrings and cogs. Seems like thinner and less metal would mean faster wear on the teeth.

Compared to the traditional 1/8th parts, sure. But I dont think this is marketed to people that are concerned with the lifespan of these parts. There is some benefit in mind to be gained and the drive train is consumable. Ultimately, with good maintenance the parts should still have a fairly comparable to 11sp road bike parts. If you got the $$$ go for it.

Will I touch this stuff? Hell no.

The thing that is being ignored in this discussion is that the mileage experienced on the track is much less than on the road, so the lifespan of 3/32" drivetrain components used on the track is still measured in years. Also, weather conditions are far more favorable, since riding on the track is not permitted when it is wet, and there is no dirt or salt to cause more rapid wear.