For the first time in nearly four decades of business, the folks at Wheels Manufacturing in Colorado have expanded their catalog to include mountain bike chainrings. We took a look at the SRAM 3-Bolt chainring ahead of today’s launch. Check it out here…

Wheels Manufacturing has a reputation for producing some of the highest-quality bicycle components available. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as they’ve been producing bike parts for nearly four decades and pride themselves on exact tolerances. Wheels Manufacturing was founded by Dave and Cindy Batka in 1988, and although the business changed hands in 2019, it has grown into a large-scale manufacturing facility producing a complete line of small parts totaling over 1,000 products. Today, they work out of a shop in Louisville, Colorado, about 10 miles from their original location.

It’s been great to see the Wheels Manufacturing product lineup slowly expand over the years. What started with cog removal tools and chainring spacers now includes a massive collection of derailleur hangers, bottom brackets, shop tools, axles, and, most recently, singlespeed cogs. Both Logan and I have been using their new Solo-Spline singlespeed kit, and we appreciate how easy the installation is and the quality construction we’ve come to expect from Wheels MFG. From what I’ve seen, if you buy a Wheels Manufacturing product, you’re investing in something well-designed and built to last. It’s simple, no-nonsense, US-made stuff.

Cogs to Chainrings

When Wheels Manufacturing announced its Solo-Spline singlespeed kit last year, we figured it was only a matter of time before they started offering front chainrings. As luck would have it, the team had prototypes on display at the MADE bike show this summer, solidifying our suspicions. James Flanagan, marketing manager at Wheels Manufacturing, gave us a sneak peek of the chainring with his Rigs of the Colorado Trail Race submission. He completed the challenging 500-mile route in 12 days using the new chainring. “It’s trail-tested and fared a fair bit better than I did,” said James. There are a handful of routes around the world I trust as true testing grounds for new products, and the Colorado Trail is high on that list.

Like most chainrings, the new Wheels Manufacturing chainring isn’t a solution to a problem but simply another option for riders seeking, as Wheels MFG puts it, “long-term durability, smooth drivetrain performance, and dependable chain retention.” In my eyes, chainrings have one job, and as long as they don’t drop chains or wear out prematurely, I’d say the product designers did well. Having more options, sizes, and versions to fit different mounting standards is a good thing, especially when a reputable brand is behind them.

Wheels MFG’s mountain bike chainring is made from CNC-machined 7075 aluminum. Fabricated in-house in Colorado, the machining marks and subtle details serve as a reminder that this is a nice piece of metal. The solid sections between the center and the outside of the ring let Wheels MFG optimize material placement for enhanced strength and impact resistance while removing material from areas where it isn’t needed. In short, it gives the ring added stiffness and durability for hard riding without adding unnecessary weight.

This first wave features SRAM 3-Bolt chainrings with a 3mm offset, available in 30T, 32T, and 34T, and offered in seven anodized colors. The tooth profile is both Narrow-Wide and Hyperglide+ compatible, so that the chainrings will work with Shimano Hyperglide+ and SRAM T-Type drivetrains. Although a single 3-Bolt chainring launch isn’t entirely exciting, this is just the beginning. Wheels MFG will soon release additional mounting standards and expanded tooth-count options. All current and future chainrings are available directly through WheelsMFG.com, at your local bike shop, and through your preferred distributor.

Although this isn’t a long-term test, as I only just had time to eyeball it from my desk and then install it just before today’s launch, it’s great to see another US-made chainring option. With prices starting at $75 USD, it’s priced right in line with Wolf Tooth’s chainrings, which are also made domestically. The solid “fins” might not provide any noticeable benefits to the rider, but they do add a little extra flair for what can sometimes be a pretty boring component. I’ll be sure to keep the chainring on my hardtail this winter to see if anything unexpected happens.

Head over to WheelsMFG.com to purchase your own or learn more, and watch the launch video they put together below.

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