This new conversion kit from Ratio Technology modifies SRAM 10- or 11-speed mechanical groupsets to work with 13-speed Campagnolo Ekar gravel groupset cassettes and chains.
The 1x13C kit is comprised of a new ratchet and a pair of 12-tooth, 13-speed specific jockey wheels.
A 13-speed-compatible 110mm 5-bolt chainring is also available from the brand. Ratio claims its Ratio Ring is the first aftermarket Ekar-compatible chainring on the market.
The kit is priced at £99.50 / €96.97 / $104.22 / AU$144.21 and is available now.
The Ratio Ring is available in 34t, 36t and 38t options, and costs £75 / €73.04 / $78.49 / AU$108.66
This launch follows the release of a kit to convert 11-speed mechanical SRAM groupset components to work with 12-speed cassettes.
Why SRAMpagnolo?
Why exactly would one wish to convert SRAM shifters and derailleurs to work with 13-speed Campagnolo Ekar components?
Ratio Technology says it “believes the range and spacing of 1x13 hit a sweet spot for general gravel riding”, but adds “there are limitations to Ekar”.
Ratio Technology highlights the “restrictive 38-tooth minimum chainring size, proprietary crankset and bottom bracket, lack of a power meter, and limited crank length options” as what it views as the primary drawbacks of the groupset.
The brand claims its Ratio Ring – which is based around the commonplace 5-bolt 110 BCD pattern – gets around some of these issues, opening up options to use a wide number of other cranksets.
As with its other conversion kits, the Ratio Technology 1x13C kit enables riders to upgrade existing parts or piece together a groupset that is compatible with modern wide-range cassettes for a lower price than a whole new groupset.
What do I need to make the kit work?
The Ratio Technology 1x13C kit will work with any mechanical 11-speed SRAM road bike shifters. 10-speed SRAM shifters can also be converted if a separate cable spool is purchased alongside the kit.
The kit is compatible with 1x SRAM rear derailleurs from the Force 1, Rival 1 or Apex 1 family.
It will also work with 11-speed SRAM mountain bike rear derailleurs, but a separate cable fin needs to be purchased to make this combination work.
You will then have to supply your own Campagnolo Ekar cassette and chain, a 13-speed compatible chainring and compatible cranks.
