Information

Released in April of 2025, our new v2 VBC (Variable Bolt Circle) 2x 12-speed compatible chainrings are compatible with Shimano and SRAM 9-12 speed 2x drivetrains.  That includes Shimano 9-12 speed 105/Ultegra/GRX/Dura Ace and 10-12 speed SRAM Apex/Rival/Red, in either mechanical or electronic versions.  They retain the Variable Bolt Circle feature that allows up to five different size inner rings to be mounted on the same outer ring, with 33 possible gear combinations across the range.  And as we always strive for when designing new products, they are backwards compatible with all White Industries MR30 series cranks and White Industries direct mount square taper cranks*.

V2 VBC 2x inner rings, outer rings, and hardware are completely redesigned and feature revised outer chainring tooth and shift ramp geometry, five shift pins, a replaceable chain catch pin, and recessed inner chainring bolts.  And now you can get them in black and silver, not to mention seven different colors of chainring nuts so you can really tie the room together.  To sum it all up: 9-speed to 12-speed compatibility, backwards compatibility with our cranks, more chainstay clearance, 33 gear combinations, and more color choices. 

Our old 9-11 speed VBC 2x chainrings will now be referred to as “v1 VBC 2x chainrings” and will be discontinued as of April 22, 2025.  Remaining stock will be available on our website until we run out, but we will continue stocking hardware for v1 VBC 2x chainrings indefinitely.  So what do you do when you can’t get v1 rings anymore?  Just get a v2 VBC 2x chainring set; they’ll work with whatever set up you already have.

*v2 VBC 2x chainrings for ENO and Road Square Taper cranks available summer 2025

Features/Specs

• Chainrings are made from 7075-T6 aluminum (except 48t-52t which are 6061-T6)
• Available in black anodize or raw/un-anodized silver
• Chainring nuts available in seven colors (these are on the outside of the rings)
• You are purchasing a chainring “set” here which comes assembled, with hardware torqued to spec, and inner/outer rings in the correct alignment
  • V2 VBC 2x inner chainrings must be mounted to the outer chainrings in specific positions to ensure proper shifting
    • Refer to the “VBC v2 Chainring Assembly Instructions” below when doing maintenance/replacement

Compatibility

• Compatible with White Industries cranks only
• Compatible with Shimano and SRAM 9-12 speed 2x drivetrains
  • Shimano 9-12 speed 105/Ultegra/GRX/Dura Ace 2x drivetrains
    • Mechanical or electronic versions
  • SRAM 9-12 speed Apex/Rival/Red 2x drivetrains
    • Mechanical or electronic versions
  • Campy 9-12 speed?  Not sure yet…
• Available to fit either MR30 cranks or ENO/Road Square Taper cranks
  • Each crank style uses a different spline configuration for the outer ring
  • Inner VBC v2 chainrings are the same for either crank style
• v2 VBC 2x chainrings and hardware are not cross compatible with v1 VBC 2x chainrings and hardware
  • All the parts are different; inner rings, outer rings, chainring bolts, chainring nuts, and shift ramps
  • v1 and v2 hardware sets and individual hardware parts are available on our website if you need replacements
    • Parts>Chainring Parts 
• Combinations smaller than 12-tooth gaps or greater than 20-tooth gaps are not recommended
  • Greater than 20-tooth gaps are too big to shift well
  • Smaller than 12-tooth gaps can cause the chain to catch on downshifts and result in your rear derailleur being ripped off
  • We do not offer these combinations in “sets” for this reason
• Outer VBC v2 chainrings cannot be used without an inner chainring
  • Outer are not stiff enough by themselves
  • They need the inner ring mounted to stiffen the whole assembly

Set up points

• You are purchasing a chainring “set” here which comes assembled, with hardware torqued to spec, and inner/outer rings in the correct alignment
  • All you need to do is mount the chainring to your crank
    • The “chain catch pin” should point outward and align with the crank arm
  • V2 VBC 2x inner chainrings must be mounted to the outer chainrings in specific positions to ensure proper shifting
    • This is already done when you order a “set”
    • Refer to the “VBC v2 Chainring Assembly Instructions” below when doing maintenance/replacement

Tools

• Chainring bolts: 5mm hex key
• Chain pin: 2.5mm hex key
• Chainring lockring
  • For MR30 cranks:
    • Park BBT-22 or Shimano BBT-32
  • For ENO/Road Square Taper cranks:
    • Park BBT-19.2, Enduro BBT-015, or any 16 notch/44mm tool
    • or White Industries LRTOOL (3 notch tool)

Torque

• VBC chainring bolts: 7 ft lbs (10 Nm)
• Chainring lockring: 30 ft lbs (40Nm)
• Chain catch pin: Just past snug

Tech Docs

• VBC v2 Chainring Assembly Instructions
• VBC v1 and v2 Chainring and and Hardware Identification Guide