Single drivetrains with a single chainring at the front reduce the complexity of shifting. But they also reduce the range of the overall gear ratio. With the XX1, Sram supplied the first 1x11 drivetrain for MTBs, whose extended cassettes with 10-42 teeth led the way, but the overall gear ratio was still not sufficient for many users. Extra-large mountain sprockets for retrofitting or cassettes from the aftermarket offer options for increasing the range of the cassette. There is currently wild speculation about the future number of teeth: 11-48, 11-46, 10-44 or 9-44 - who knows where the journey will take us! The problem is that not all rear derailleurs have enough capacity for so many teeth.
The Goatlink 11 adapter from Lindarets / Wolf Tooth Components provides a remedy - at least for Shimano rear derailleurs of the current XT and XTR groupsets. The adapter positions the Shimano rear derailleurs so that they harmonise better with original Sram cassettes (10-42), tuned Sram cassettes with mountain cogs (10-44) and extended Shimano cassettes (11-46).
Goatlink 11 is only possible when used as a single derailleur with a single chainring at the front. Double drivetrains are not (yet) supported. There will no longer be an adapter for triple drivetrains. The range is wide enough for this.
Further information:
- Goatlink 11 is compatible with Shimano eleven-speed rear derailleurs from the M8000 (XT) and M9000 (XTR) series.
- Goatlink 11 can only be mounted on standard dropouts.
- Gears with a double chainring are currently not supported.
- Triple circuits are not supported.
- Goatlink 11 is not compatible with frames for direct mount rear derailleurs and Sram rear derailleurs.
Accessories manufacturers who Parts for conversion to single drive now also supply parts for Sram and Shimano eleven-speed drivetrains. Our workshop hero Super Dan explains what you should bear in mind when installing extension sprockets HERE
Sebastian Brust
Editor
