Press Release: Rotor launches 1×13 Road / Gravel / Cyclocross / MTB groupset!

“The world’s first groupset 13s hydraulic groupset for a simplified performance shifting experience.” – Rotor

“The modular platform concept crosses four cycling disciplines (MTB, Road, Gravel and Cyclocross) with a flexible choice of drivetrain components to match your preferred bike set-up.”

rotor 1x13 groupset

Why 2x11s equals a 14s Effective Gear Range?

The 1x drivetrain is currently viewed as an MTB only system because of the perceived gear range or the scale of power cadence available to the cyclist between gear shifts.

Although the traditional 2×11 groupset has 22 theoretical gears, the Effective Gear Range is 14s due to overlap of chainring and sprocket combinations.

Why 1×13?

Focused on simplifying the cyclist’s shifting experience ROTOR believes Road, Gravel & Cyclocross riders will follow MTB in the successful adoption of single ring (1x) drivetrain.

Combined with a wide choice of 1x chainring sizes (38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54) our 13s cassettes can match and improve gear range and gear steps of the traditional 2×11 drivetrains.

The Science Behind the Gear Ratios

The foundation of our faith in the one-by groupset configuration is firmly based in the Aero-Logic design of the world’s first 13s cassette.

We have put the cyclist at the centre of our re-designed 1×13 transmission by analysing real user-data thanks to our sophisticated INpower power measurement technology.

Our engineers process the primary data in the fine-tuning of our drivetrain design to deliver the optimum cadence range and the best possible cycling experience.

rotor 1x13 groupset

What are the unique benefits?

  • Simplified shifting – Leave behind the anticipation for the challenging front derailleur shift in the crucial race moment to avoid chain loss or chain suck.
  • Alternative – Exclusive 1×13 platform is a real alternative in range and gear steps to the traditional 2×11 drivetrains.
  • Flexibility – Bigger gear range and more gear choices compared to existing MTB 1×12 systems.
  • Modular platform – Unique 1×13 modular platform concept fits different cycling needs with the choice of shifters, cassettes, optimised direct mount chainrings and cranks.
  • Lightweight – Simplified 1x chainring without front derailleur means reduced weight and mechanical complexity with improved aerodynamics.
  • Hydraulic actuation benefits – Maintenance free: Install, Bleed, Forget. No cables to replace, no batteries to charge. Internal routing ready. Lighter than battery powered and mechanical systems. Hydraulic technology with proven reliability.

Here come the heavy tech details

Table below shows the meters developed in a 53/39 & 11-28 2x chainring drivetrain (dividing by chainring and sprocket size):

rotor 1x13 groupset

If we order them:

rotor 1x13 groupset

However, the cyclist never shifts between front rings 13 times with the corresponding shifts in the cassette.

We are used to riding in the outer ring and upshift sprockets until a certain point. Then we shift down to the inner ring for optimal cadence.

rotor 1x13 groupset

With 1×13 you can bypass the traditional challenging 2x front derailleur shift so you can focus on fluid rear shifting with a reduced chance of chain loss or chain suck.

rotor 1x13 groupset

1×13 Road / Gravel / Cyclocross

ROTOR 1×13 platform brings a real alternative to the classic 2x11drive trains.

Let’s compare a classic 2×11 (53/39 & 11-28) drive train with ROTOR 1×13 (50 & 10-39):

rotor 1x13 groupset

Furthermore ROTOR provides 4 different cassettes sizes to accommodate the different spectrum of riders: 10-36, 10-39, 10-46 and 10-52.

So if we can afford a smaller total range (still bigger than 2x) and look for smaller steps in between gears, we can choose the 10-36 cassette.

rotor 1x13 groupset

rotor 1x13 groupset

What about MTB drivetrains?

rotor 1x13 groupset

Further Information

  • Rear derailleur with clutch mechanism and internalised indexing.
  • Complete groups with either MTB shifter or road shifter.
  • Can be completed with either 12s or 13s cassette for either road or MTB.
  • 12s cassette fits on traditional HG freehub body. 13s must be on ROTOR hub because of the additional space needed for 13th cog. 13th cog is outboard, similar to 12s XTR cassette.
  • 10-52 cassette weight is 330 grams. Weight 30g lighter than Eagle XX1 cassette.

Real-life ETA is Spring 2019.

Pricing to be announced but expect XTR level prices.

Rotor Bike

5 Comments

  1. Avatar Ron

    I am certainly intrigued by this, although as a caveat I find the derailleur and cranks rather unattractive.

  2. I want these with road shifter an 10-46 cassette on my Specialized Diverge.

    • JOM JOM

      Rotor stuff is worth the wait… I reckon they’ll sell the pants off this groupset, especially for the gravel cycling discipline.

  3. Avatar Jon Tiktin

    An intresting idea, I like the sound of electronic like shifting without the electronics to go wrong.

    A thought about this whole gear range thing and overall weights. Would a 2×7 system with closer rear gearing and front sprockets that have no overlap be lighter (ie inner chainring gears 1-7, outer chainring 8-14), albeit at the expense of more front derailleur shifts?

    • Avatar Ron

      For there to be no overlap you’d have to have a huge difference in chainring sizes at the front, more than is possible.

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