Raceface Cinch Direct Mount Steel
Cinch Direct Mount Steel
Cinch Direct Mount Steel
Raceface

Raceface Cinch Direct Mount Steel

$9.99
In Stock

A tough, cost-effective RaceFace Cinch direct-mount chainring in steel with Narrow‑Wide profiling for excellent chain retention on 9–12 speed 1x drivetrains.

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Available Options

Option Price Availability
Raceface, Cinch Direct Mount Steel, 28T Chainring, 9-12sp, BCD: Direct Mount, Steel, Black $9.99 In Stock
Raceface, Cinch Direct Mount Steel, 30T Chainring, 9-12sp, BCD: Direct Mount, Steel, Black $9.99 In Stock
Raceface, Cinch Direct Mount Steel, 32T Chainring, 9-12sp, BCD: Direct Mount, Steel, Black $9.99 In Stock

Product Details

Overview & Technology

RaceFace Cinch Direct Mount Steel is a no-nonsense replacement chainring engineered for mountain riders who want long life and reliable chain retention without breaking the bank. The ring uses RaceFace's Narrow‑Wide tooth profiling to lock the chain in place on rough trails and aggressive descents, reducing drops on 1x drivetrains. Constructed from hard-wearing steel with a corrosion-inhibiting coating, this direct-mount ring is built to withstand rock strikes, mud and the general abuse of trail riding. It installs as part of the RF Cinch system — meaning you swap rings and spiders quickly using a common Park BBT-22 bottom bracket tool and maintain identical chainlines to RaceFace aluminum rings.

Key Features & Benefits

The Cinch Direct Mount Steel ring combines simple mechanical advantages with practical trail-ready materials. Steel offers higher impact resistance than many aluminum rings, so it resists bending and chipping from hits and keeps going when lighter rings would fail. • Narrow‑Wide tooth profile: Alternating narrow and wide teeth match inner and outer links for positive chain retention on bumpy trails. • Durable steel construction: Tough, abrasion-resistant material with a corrosion-inhibiting finish for long service life; ideal for heavy-use bikes and bikepacking setups. • Cinch direct mount: Integrates with RaceFace Cinch cranks for a secure, lightweight interface and identical chainline to existing RF aluminum rings; rings can be flipped to use both sides and extend life. • 9–12 speed compatible: Designed to run cleanly across a wide range of drivetrains from 9-speed up to modern 12-speed systems.

Fit, Compatibility & Installation

This ring is a RaceFace Cinch direct-mount part and is intended to work with cranks and spiders that use the Cinch interface. It uses RaceFace's Cinch fitting rather than a standard BCD system, so confirm your crank or spider is Cinch-compatible before ordering. Installation is straightforward for anyone with basic bike tools: the Cinch system allows ring/spider swaps with the common Park BBT-22 bottom bracket tool. The steel ring maintains the same chainline as RaceFace aluminum rings and can be flipped to even out wear. Note: it is not a drop-in replacement for unrelated BCD or proprietary direct-mount standards—always check your crank model for compatibility.

Who This Chainring Is For

Built for mountain riders who prioritize durability and value, the RaceFace Cinch Direct Mount Steel ring is ideal for trail, all‑mountain and mixed-terrain bikes. It's a great choice for riders who bash into rocks, run heavy bikepacking loads, or want a low-cost spare they can rely on during long seasons of riding. Also suited to riders running 9–12 speed 1x drivetrains who want the chain security of Narrow‑Wide geometry and the resilience of steel—whether you’re upgrading an older bike or stocking up for race day and remote adventures.

Key Features

  • ✓ Narrow‑Wide tooth profile for excellent chain retention on rough trails
  • ✓ Durable steel construction with corrosion‑inhibiting coating for longevity
  • ✓ Cinch direct‑mount design for fast swaps and consistent chainline
  • ✓ Flip-capable ring doubles usable life by reversing wear
  • ✓ Compatible across 9, 10, 11 and 12 speed 1x drivetrains
  • ✓ Available in 28T, 30T and 32T to tune cadence and clearance

Specifications

Narrow-Wide Design Yes
BCD Direct Mount Cinch
Chainring Comp. Race Face Cinch
Teeth 28
Material Steel
Position Single
Primary Color Black
Speed 9-12

Product Identifiers

Vendor Item # RNWDM28STBLK
UPC 821973330440

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this ring fit my crankset?

This ring fits RaceFace cranks and spiders that use the Cinch direct‑mount interface. It's not compatible with standard 104 BCD, SRAM/Shimano proprietary direct mounts, or other non‑Cinch cranks—check your crank model to confirm compatibility before purchase.

Can I use this for 9, 10, 11 and 12 speed chains?

Yes. The Narrow‑Wide tooth profile and tooth spacing on the Cinch Direct Mount Steel ring are designed to work reliably with 9–12 speed chains, giving broad compatibility for most 1x setups.

How do I install or swap this chainring?

The Ring attaches as part of the RaceFace Cinch system. Swapping rings/spiders is done using a Park BBT-22 bottom bracket tool to remove the Cinch preload hardware—no special proprietary tool is required beyond that common tool.

Is steel heavier than aluminum—will I notice the weight?

Steel is heavier than aluminum, and you will trade some grams for increased durability and impact resistance. For many trail and bikepacking riders, the durability gains outweigh the small weight penalty.

Can I flip the ring if teeth wear?

Yes. The ring offers identical chainlines to RaceFace aluminum rings and can be flipped to present a fresh side, effectively doubling the service life when wear is even.

How should I maintain the steel chainring?

Keep the ring clean from grit and mud, inspect for bent or missing teeth after impacts, and apply a light coating of corrosion inhibitor if you ride in wet or salty conditions. Replace when teeth become hooked or retention degrades.

Buying Guide

When choosing a chainring, weigh durability, tooth count and interface compatibility. Steel rings like the RaceFace Cinch Direct Mount Steel are ideal for riders who demand impact resistance and long life—great for rocky terrain, bikepacking or commuters who prefer fewer replacement cycles. Select tooth count based on your riding style: smaller rings (28T) give easier climbing and better clearance, mid-range (30T) suits versatile trail use, and larger rings (32T) favor speed and flat or rolling terrain. Always confirm your crank uses the Cinch system and consider swapping hardware with the Park BBT-22 tool for fast, reliable installs.

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