Product news: Another circuit revolution? Rotor presents a 13-speed hydraulic group for all areas - from racing bikes to gravel to MTB. A special feature of the unprecedented 13 sprockets is that you don't need a different chain compared to the 12-speed systems.
With the new Rotor 1×13 groupset, the Spaniards deliver a really impressive device and make a real declaration of war on the component giants. A few weeks ago, Shimano jumped on the 9100-speed bandwagon with the new XTR M12, which Sram was able to establish with the Eagle groupsets. But: Not only does this group "only" offer 12 sprockets compared to Rotor's innovation, but they are also MTB-specific. Gravel and racing cyclists are (still) looking into the tube.
The group is not only designed for the road, but can also be used in MTB or Gravel areas. The chainrings will be available in both round and oval shapes. Chainrings from 38 to 54 in two tooth levels and from 26 to 40 teeth for mountain bikes are available to cover all areas of use. Because one of the most important features of the group is the intercompatibility between road and mountain bike components.
In addition to the 10-52t cassette, 10-36t, 10-39t and 10-46t cassettes are also available, which allows finer tuning for individual applications. The cassette of the new Rotor 1×13 group consists of two parts, each of which was milled from an aluminum block and should only weigh 330 grams with the locking ring and all this with a cassette of 10-52 teeth.
In order to be able to attach the 13 sprockets to the freewheel, the freewheel was lengthened slightly and moved inwards to accommodate the additional gear. The freewheel is open to all third-party manufacturers and should therefore also be seen on other hubs in the not too distant future. In addition to a hydraulic mountain bike shifter, a road shifter will also be compatible. The gear levers are identical to those of the Rotor Uno in the racing bike sector. The MTB shifter is a CNC-milled light metal component. Clever: The second lever can be removed and shifting is then carried out according to double-tap logic: upshift with a short press, long press for downshift.
The whole thing should be available from the beginning of 2019, you apparently have to reckon with a price on the level of electronic groupsets.