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Orient is an early drivetrain concept from Blackwater Bicycles and Colorado’s Marginal Gain that focuses on how the chain tracks across a cassette, rather than simply adding cassette cogs or making a rear derailleur more complex. The concept was shown on a Blackwater Splitfire at the CRAFTED Bike Show; it is not established as a production component.
What is Orient, and where was it shown?
Bikerumor’s Jordan Villella reported on Oct. 5, 2026, that Blackwater Bicycles displayed a Splitfire gravel bike fitted with the Orient concept at CRAFTED, the show hosted at Cane Creek Cycling Components on Sept. 26–27, 2026. Bikerumor’s report identifies Marginal Gain, a Colorado company, as Blackwater’s collaborator on the drivetrain idea. The official CRAFTED event page lists the inaugural show dates and venue.
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The Splitfire is the display platform, not evidence that Orient is available on a retail bike. Blackwater describes the Splitfire as a titanium gravel bike and lists 700 x 57 mm tire clearance and chainring clearance figures on its official product page; that page does not list Orient as a production option or confirm a retail build equipped with it.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11How does Orient aim to change a 1x drivetrain?
In a 1x drivetrain, one chainring drives the chain across multiple rear cassette cogs. As the chain moves toward either end of the cassette, it runs at a more angled line relative to the chainring. Orient’s stated design intent is to keep the chain straighter across more of the cassette and reduce chain articulation.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Groupset】Contains 10 speed chain, 10 speed 11-50t cassette, 1x10 speed rear derailleur and shifter. Suitable for 1x 10 speed mountain bike.
- 【Cassette】10 speed 11-50t cassette. Cassette cogs: 11-13-15-17-21-24-30-36-42-50T; weight: 541g.
- 【Chain】10 speed chain with missing links. Links: 116 links; size: 1/2" X 11/128"; weight: 264g.
- 【Shifter】10 speed aluminum shifter. 1:1-Tech makes quick and precise shifting perfomance; weight: 120g.
- 【Rear Derailleur】10 speed rear derailleur. Maximum compatible sprockets: 50T; weight: 295g.
The rationale is that extreme chain angles in wide-range 1x setups can contribute to friction, wear, and efficiency losses. Those are the motivation for the concept, not results demonstrated for Orient: the cited reporting provides no measured efficiency gains or comparative wear data.
Could Orient support 15- or 16-speed drivetrains?
Marginal Gain believes the concept could make 15- or 16-speed arrangements possible with more reasonable chain angles, according to the Bikerumor report. This is a company-stated possibility, not a confirmed speed specification, tested capability, or production configuration.
Rank #2
- 【Groupset】Contains 10 speed chain, 10 speed 11-50t cassette, 1x10 speed rear derailleur and shifter. Suitable for 1x 10 speed mountain bike.
- 【Cassette】10 speed 11-50t cassette. Cassette cogs: 11-13-15-17-21-24-30-36-42-50T; weight: 541g.
- 【Chain】10 speed chain with missing links. Links: 116 links; size: 1/2" X 11/128"; weight: 264g.
- 【Shifter】10 speed aluminum shifter. 1:1-Tech makes quick and precise shifting perfomance; weight: 120g.
- 【Rear Derailleur】10 speed rear derailleur. Maximum compatible sprockets: 50T; weight: 295g.
What is known—and what remains unproven?
| Question | What the available sources establish |
|---|---|
| Design goal | Orient aims to keep the chain straighter across more of the cassette and reduce articulation. Bikerumor |
| Efficiency and wear | No measured efficiency gain or comparative chain-wear result is reported. Blackwater representative Billy Hudgens said testing of wear at transition points was ongoing; no outcome is given. Bikerumor report; Hudgens’s comment |
| Speed range | Marginal Gain’s possible 15- or 16-speed use is an attributed claim, not a demonstrated specification. Bikerumor |
| Compatibility and final specifications | Not stated in the cited sources. |
| Weight, production timing, and retail price | Not stated in the cited sources. |
Hudgens wrote: “We are currently testing the wear on the ‘shift points’ and may use other materials and replaceable parts in those locations if it is excessive.” That comment describes ongoing maker testing, not a published durability result.
For riders, the distinction matters: a promising chainline concept is not yet evidence that a drivetrain will be more efficient, last longer, fit a particular frame or component group, or be available to buy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ✅ INCLUDED COMPONENTS: Enhance your cycling game with the Complete Groupset Box Four 8 Speed Multi Shift Shifter, Wide Rear Derailleur, Cassettes are accessible at 11-42T and 116 Link Chain Natural. Seamless Bicycle Gear Shifter changes, impeccable durability, and a polished finish for the ultimate cycling experience.
- ✅ COMPACT DISPLAY SHIFTER: Crafted with a Stainless Steel Braided Cable for unparalleled durability, this Bicycle Shifter boasts a 2-Piece Pull Lever that effortlessly navigates up to 3 Gears Per Shift (Multi*). The Extruded Clamp and Resin Top Shell ensure a firm grip, making every gear change a seamless and reliable experience.
- ✅ REAR DERAILLEUR: Conquer light to medium terrains effortlessly with our versatile 8 Speed Derailleur. Limited Slip Clutch ensures smooth performance, Bearing Pulleys reduce friction, and Nylon Composite Knuckle adds lightweight resilience. Direct Channel Cable Stay and Die Cast Linkages, compatible with Traditional Bicycle Derailleur Hangers.
- ✅ CASSETTE: Transform your cycling experience with our Enough 8 Speed Cassette! Crafted with precision, it features Steel Stamped Bike Cog Set and No Spiders, offering a Wide Ratio with Consistent Progression. The ED Black Protection ensures longevity, and compatibility with HG Freehub Bodies.
- ✅ CHAIN: Unlock your ride's potential with our 8 Speed Bike Chain. Featuring Polished & Treated Protection, it's more than just a link; it's the key to enduring performance. With Durable Hardened Solid Pins, Compatibility with Wide/Narrow 8s Specific, and the included Connecting Link, reliability is ensured.
Rank #4
- ✅INCLUDED COMPONENTS: Maximize your ride's potential with our Prime Performance Package. Box One Prime 9 Multi Shift Shifter, X-Wide Rear Derailleur, Chain 126L DLC, Box Two Prime 9 11-50T Cassette, and Box One Shift Cable & Housing Kit. Seamless integration for a Prime Cycling experience.
- ✅SHIFTER: Our Bicycle Shifter equipped with Box One Slick Coated Inner Cable, 1 and 2 Piece Pull Lever, and seamless navigation of up to 3 gears per shift. The lightweight hinged clamp, machined with a die-cast top shell, guarantees unmatched precision for a standout ride.
- ✅REAR DERAILLEUR: Conquer tough terrains with our 9 Speed Derailleur, crafted for aggressive landscapes. It features an adjustable Tri-Pack Limited Slip Clutch, durable 3D forged linkages, a carbon-nylon composite knuckle, and Pivot-Tech Cable Stay for a rugged, reliable ride.
- ✅CASSETTE: Improve your ride with our 9 Speed Cassette, ultra-wide ratios and consistent progression. The steel lightweight unibody, alloy internal support disc. Designed for peak cycling, compatible with HG Freehub Bodies.
- ✅CHAIN: Our 9 Speed Chain sets the standard with durable dual-coating DLC & Nickel Protection, hardened solid pins. Whether wide or narrow chainring, it delivers unmatched strength. The black connecting link adds style to rugged durability, making it a standout choice.
Rank #3
- ✅ INCLUDED COMPONENTS: Enhance your cycling game with the complete Box Three Prime 9 set. Multi Shift Shifter, X-Wide Rear Derailleur, Cassettes are accessible at 11-50T and 126 Link Chain Polished. Seamless gear changes, impeccable durability, and a polished finish for the ultimate cycling experience.
- ✅ SHIFTER: Crafted with a Stainless Steel Braided Cable for unparalleled durability, this Bicycle Shifter boasts a 2-Piece Pull Lever that effortlessly navigates up to 3 Gears Per Shift (Multi*). The Extruded Clamp and Resin Top Shell ensure a firm grip, making every gear change a seamless and reliable experience.
- ✅ REAR DERAILLEUR: Conquer light to medium terrains effortlessly with our versatile Prime 9 Speed Derailleur. Limited Slip Clutch ensures smooth performance, Bearing Pulleys reduce friction, and Nylon Composite Knuckle adds lightweight resilience. Direct Channel Cable Stay and Die Cast Linkages, compatible with Traditional Derailleur Hangers, make it the ultimate choice for versatile riders.
- ✅ CASSETTE: Transform your cycling experience with our All-Rounder 9 Speed Cassette! Built with precision, the Steel Stamped Cogs and Spiders deliver an Ultra-Wide Ratio with Consistent Progression. The ED Black Protection ensures longevity, and compatibility with HG Freehub Bodies guarantees a seamless integration into your setup.
- ✅ CHAIN: Unlock your ride's potential with our All-Rounder Bicycle Chain. Boasting Polished & Treated Protection, it's not just a link, but a key to enduring performance. Durable Hardened Solid Pins, compatibility with Wide/Narrow Chainrings, and the included Connecting Link ensure reliability. Hit the road with confidence, effortless installation awaits.
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