Ratio Technology unveils an Ekar-compatible 1×13 conversion for SRAM levers
Ratio Technology unveils an Ekar-compatible 1x13 conversion for SRAM levers
UK outfit Ratio Technology has built its entire business on modifying 10- or 11-speed SRAM DoubleTap road levers: first with a 1×12 conversion kit that allows older SRAM levers and derailleurs to run a wide-range 12-speed cassette, and then later with a 2×12 conversion that produces the lightweight mechanical road groupset that SRAM won’t do itself.
Ratio is now upping the ante yet again, this time with a new 3D-printed stainless steel ratchet that easily retrofits those same older SRAM road levers to work with Campagnolo’s 13-speed Ekar cassettes. As compared to the original 12-speed kit, Ratio says this new 1x13C upgrade kit offers an even wider range (or a similar range with closer jumps in the middle), along with the convenience of battery-free operation, field serviceability, lower cost, and lower weight.
As with other Ratio packages, the complete kit is very reasonably priced at £100, and includes the new 13-speed ratchet, a pair of Ekar-compatible 12-speed pulley wheels fitted with Enduro cartridge bearings, and a new shaft screw for the lever body.
However, to keep the costs low, you’ll ideally already have on hand a pair of 10- or 11-speed SRAM DoubleTap road levers and a SRAM 1x-specific rear derailleur (either Force 1, Rival 1, Apex 1, or an 11-speed MTB rear derailleur) — or, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find some used — because don’t forget that you’ll also need that Campagnolo Ekar cassette, an Ekar-compatible rear wheel, and likely an Ekar-compatible chainring, too. And depending on which SRAM derailleur you have, there might also be a couple of additional small parts required for a successful conversion, but Ratio offers those for very reasonable sums.
In other words, setting up an entire Ratio-converted 1×13 drivetrain isn’t quite as inexpensive as that £100 figure might first suggest, but it still at least offers the possibility of building such a thing while saving a bunch of cash versus buying new. And if you just prefer the SRAM method of mechanical shifting over Campagnolo Ergopower, this is obviously the only way to go.
One added note on the chainring: Ratio offers its own aluminum chainring (made in the Lake District, UK, as with other Ratio bits), which not only uses a common five-arm 110 mm bolt circle diameter, but also comes in 34, 36, and 38-tooth sizes. Stock Ekar chainrings are only offered in 38, 40, 42, and 44-tooth sizes, so Ratio’s aftermarket ring opens up the possibility of ultra-low gearing.
Either way, Ratio’s continued efforts to breathe new life into older components are well worthy of applause. Keep it up, folks!
More information can be found at www.ratiotechnology.com.
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