Rene Herse announced a 34T 1X crankset ($455), offering better gearing without messing with your derailleur or cassette…

If you like the look of 44t cassettes and normal length cages on your derailleurs when it comes to a gravel bike, you might find that a 42t or 40t chainring doesn’t give enough gear inches to climb mountains. That’s what drove Rene Herse to develop a 34t 1X crankset. The 15% gear reduction from a 40t ring gives you just enough gearing to make it up that steep, loose pitch.

Specs:

• Bottom bracket:
  • JIS taper
    for 45 mm chainline: 110 mm spindle (SKF 107 mm)
    for 48 mm chainline (most bikes): 113 mm spindle (SKF 110 mm)
    Narrow Q factor: 139 – 145 mm (depending on spindle length)
• Length: 165, 171, 177 mm
• Compatible with 5- to 12-speed chains
  Weight:
• Arms only (165 mm): 372 g
• Complete crankset (171 mm, 40-tooth chainring): 476 g
• Forged 2014 arms for high strength
• CNC-machined 7075 chainrings for long wear
• Meets EN “Racing Bike” standard for fatigue resistance
• Assembled in Seattle from parts made in Taiwan and USA
• 10 year warranty

Check ’em out at Rene Herse.