There was a time when it was all about how many gears you had. More was better, it used to be, but slowly it seems that less is, well more.

With the advent of wide ratio 10-speed cassettes, there’s been a rise in the popularity of 2×10 transmissions with twin ring chainsets offering just the right number of gears. But now there’s a trend towards 1×10 setups.

This has always been the way in downhill of course, but it’s only now that such setups are becoming a common sight on cross-country and all-mountain bikes. With the rise sees an opening for new chain guides, and e*thirteen has stepped forward with the new XCX-CX and XCX D-type guides, released today.

First up, the new XCX D-type guide is designed for high-direct style front derailleur mounts which are increasingly found on hardtail and full suspension frames from all the leading manufacturers.  The D-Type guide bolts directly to your frame replacing your front derailleur giving you the perfect chain partner for your single ring set-up thanks to 4.5mm of chainline adjustment.

Joining the expanded 2012 line-up of guides aimed at the single front chainring market  is the XCX.CX, a cyclocross specific device which puts all of the knowledge e*thirteen have gained into a guide aimed at those wishing to adapt their cyclocross frames.

Utilising a seat tube clamp cam the XCX.CX has seamless chainline adjustment, and can be mounted to frames with 28.6, 31.8 or 34.9 seat tube diameters. Both new guides incorporate the adjustable upper slider from the World Cup winning LG1+ guide, alloy hardware and two colour options of black or white.

Already available in bottom bracket, seat tube (high and low) and E-type/S3 mounting standards, the new guides round out the complete line of one-by XCX cross country chain retention systems from e*thirteen.

The XCX costs @89.95, is available in black or white, and is available now from www.silverfish-uk.com