Chainrings and chainwheels is one of the most hotly contested market segments in BMX. There are a whole bunch of standout brands. It's difficult to make something really standout but US manufacturer, Snap BMX Products, have managed to do it. Snap's growing reputation of great looking high quality products that are 100% made in the USA finally lands them in Australian stores through A Team Distro (contact a_team_distro@yahoo.com.au for a store near you).
We reviewed the Snap Series II stem a week ago and were very impressed with the complete package, everything from the weight, to the sleek stylings. The Chainwheels and Chainrings we've checked out are no less impressive.
I gave bmxultra.com rider and photographer, Jason Bergstrom, the Series II Chainwheel to check out. We was a little hesitant to replace the chainwheel he already had, at first, but after a short time riding he was already starting to see benefits from the Snap chainwheel.
It was the fact that it was dead straight that impressed him most. The way the chainwheel slides straight on to a 19mm (3/4") profile axel, without the need of step up washers, is one major contributors to Snap's "pure roundness". The way it is CNC's from thick 6061-T6 alloy is another. Pure roundness is hard to find, even from some of the biggest names in the market.
Features:
Fits a 3/32" chain and is available in Black, Red, Blue Anodized and Polished finish.
Sizes from 38t - 44t.
I must admit, the Series II Chainwheel's retro styling may not appeal to everyone, but no one could afford to ignore a perfectly straight, perfectly round chainwheel.
Snap's Series IV 4-bolt chainrings really look great and are a whole lot different to the other 4-bolt chainrings I have seen. The mirror polish finish is amazing, as are the other colours.
I was running a slightly thicker chainring before the Series IV that meant I had to buy slightly wider chainring bolts initially. When I fitted the Series IV I tried to use the recess for the chainring bolts but found that the bolts I was using were that little bit too long and it wouldn't fit properly. Switching it over so not to use the recesses fixed that problem. It was an interesting way to find out the differences in thickness of chainrings.
I don't know how snap manage it, but once again they have produced a lightweight, perfectly round and perfectly straight chainwheel. It's going to be difficult for me to find something I would want to replace this with.
I have used the Series IV chainring for a few weeks now and haven't had a single problem with it. It does make training difficult sometimes though when people try to stop you to ask you about it.
Features:
Fits a 3/32" chain and is available in Black, Red , Blue, Gold Anodized and Polished finish.
Sizes. 33t - 46t.
We are told that the SR Series is Snap's latest offering in their 4 bolt line up. Personally I can't see how they could possibly improve on the Series IV stylings and functionality, but it sure does look different, and again it looks fantastic.
The lightweight SR Series Chainring runs straight and round and will also win you some bonus style points. It appears to be thicker and stronger than the Series IV, but when the differences are so minute it's difficult to measure.
Features:
Stylish highlighting in Black Anodized, White powder coating and our new Shocker Green powder.
Available in 41t-46t.
Rating 20/20:
| Value for money: | 5/5 |
| Weight: | 5/5 |
| Functionality: | 5/5 |
| Looks/Finish: | 5/5 |
Comments:
Check your local dealer for pricing.
Snap is distributed throughout Australia by A Team Distro (a_team_distro@yahoo.com.au). For more information about Snap Products check out their website at www.snapbmxproducts.com
Reviewed by Shane Jenkins/bmxultra.com February 18, 2011