MagSuck's Chainring Uses Magnets to Prevent Dropped Chains

Jun 28, 2019 at 6:53
by James Smurthwaite  
photo

Magnets seem to be creeping into mountain biking at the moment. There are two pedal brands (that we know of) using them for a halfway house between clips and flats; bottle holders that use magnets for a quicker release and even a Canyon concept bike making use of magnets for suspension.

The latest to throw their hat into this ring is the brand MagSuck. Since the advent of narrow wide chainrings, dropping chains are certainly less common these days however, for those that are still having issues or still begrudgingly use a chainguide, this could be an attractive solution.

photo

Based out of China, MagSuck produce a chainring that uses small magnets between each tooth to keep the chain firmly in place. MagSuck goes so far as to make the claim it will fully eliminate chain drops. The brand also claims that there is reduced chain noise when using the ring as the chain shakes around less and finally that there shouldn't be any loss of power as you crank the pedals.
MagSuck details

Material 7075 T6 aluminum
Options RaceFace Cinch, SRAM GXP, M8000, 104BCD
Weight 67-70 grams
Price USD $69.50-$89.50

The MagSuck ring has a claimed weight of 67 grams for a 32 tooth ring, which is about on par with a more conventional chainring thanks to the holes drilled into the ring to insert the magnets. Plus if it means you can ditch a chain guide, then you're cutting that weight as well.

photo

MagSuck sell the chainring worldwide for USD $69.50-$89.50 depending on what model. They also sell a full crankset if someone wants to do more of an overhaul on their drivetrain.

More info here.

Author Info:
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Member since Nov 14, 2018
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162 Comments
  • 126 5
 Thanks to narrow/wide i haven‘t dropt a chain in like 2 years, don‘t think i‘ll need this
  • 32 3
 And i mean dropped lol
  • 54 2
 I've been on narrow/wide since they first came out, I have dropped less chains, but still enough to run chain guides on all my bikes.
Rocky and rooty trails that shake out your tooth fillings, still drop chains, even with narrow/wide.
  • 3 1
 @Losvar: N/W is a good thing, long teeth added to that are a bonus. I've never ever dropped a chain on KA-Engineering chainrings, guideless in both DH, Enduro & Trail riding.
  • 28 0
 “Dropt” works, got a ghetto ring to it.
  • 23 1
 Maybe it's time to develop clipless grips.
  • 6 11
flag chyu (Jul 3, 2019 at 2:07) (Below Threshold)
 Maybe it's time to develop clipless grips.
  • 1 0
 @qreative-bicycle: Never? That is impressive. How long you been using it?
  • 16 6
 Narrow wide keeps my chains on 100% of the time most of the time.

Also, having magnets sucking at your chain during pedaling would decrease efficiency?
  • 10 0
 Works extremely well when new. Once you drop your first chain, it seems to be a regular occurrence.
  • 3 0
 @Losvar: hardtail or full suspension? I'm only curious because I run a guide/guard combo on my full for the guard aspect but nothing on my hardtail and I've yet to drop a chain on either, riding the same trails with both. I wonder if the play in the suspension could be an added factor as well? Just pondering over here before work.
  • 13 1
 I'll never by another aluminium chain ring in my life since trying a Sram steel ring. They just don't wear down! Why buy a new alloy ring every year when I can buy one for £15 that lasts 4-5yrs?!
  • 11 0
 If your narrow wide chainring has dropped your chain, it’s worn out. 3 years riding a chromag with no chain guide and the only time I’ve dropped a chain was when I already knew my drivetrain was clapped.
  • 4 0
 @PeterWojnar: exactly, when my chain starts dropping I know I need to replace the chainring. Otherwise even with the clutch off I havent't dropped chains.
  • 7 0
 @excavator666: They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time, it works every time. (att Brian Fantana)
  • 3 0
 @lifeofloon: Same here. A bash guard and top guide on my full susser (both very much needed) and neither on my hardtail, riding happily without a dropt(!) chain so far.
  • 6 0
 @excavator666: 60% of the time, my chain stays on everytime
  • 1 0
 Ditto on the dropped chain means worn out chainring, esp. on the older ones from years ago. The retention relied on the machining being sharp, and when that wore out the chain starts dropping. In my experience tho newer rings have a more refined shape that wears more slowly and allows for much more wear before chain retention is compromised. These magnetic ones, if they do what they claim, maybe have a longer lifespan since the magnets aren't going to wear out. Now if only they made ovals.....
  • 2 0
 MagSucks
  • 1 0
 @landscapeben: Amen, brotha!
  • 1 4
 You haven't been riding gnarly enough terrain, frequently enough.
  • 2 0
 @carlitouk: @carlitouk: over 2 years now if I'm right. I started by testing one on my DH and then being seduced immediatly I've gone with KA for few others of my bikes. The 'sharktooth' profile as they call is by far the most added value to those rings.
They also have the widest choice on the market, anodizing colors, cranksets interfaces, boost, Al or Ti, can't go wrong with them Smile
  • 1 0
 @qreative-bicycle: Thanks mate, I'll give them a look.
  • 55 0
 Magnets, how do they work?
  • 26 1
 They attract and suck
  • 26 1
 Since you ask, in ferromagnets the spin orbit interaction is strong enough that all of the spins align in one direction which consequently produces its own magnetic field.

There really is no easy explanation of this phenomena as it is usually taught towards the end of quantuum mechanics course Smile
  • 43 0
 @karoliusz: So it's like tinny prostitutes between each teeth of the chainring?
  • 6 0
 bees.
  • 4 0
 @karoliusz: this seems like the most accurate review summary for this product.
  • 4 0
 i appreciate this meme.
  • 6 0
 @kerosen1: It is more a moderate sucking action occurring between some loosely spaced black teeth.
  • 2 0
 @kerosen1: yes, like Fluffers for your chain to stay put
  • 1 0
 @winko: LOL... good one
  • 5 0
 @winko: y'all **** lying, getting me pissed.
  • 5 0
 Whoop whoop ...lol
  • 4 5
 People claiming to know how magnets works are full of it. If humans actually knew how magnets work we'd have plastic magnets, titanium magnets, and glass magnets by now.
  • 3 0
 +1 Winner, winner. Anyone who doesn't get this...is missing some hilarity.
  • 12 0
 As you can see, it sucks as it cuts​.

It certainly does suck Garth.
  • 4 0
 @reborn10speeder: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_magnet
  • 2 0
 @reborn10speeder: That's like saying that because we can't make a bike that (actually) climbs like an xc bike and descends like a DH bike we don't understand how bikes work.

We've had magnets down for about a hundred years.
  • 5 1
 Pure motherfucking magic
  • 52 3
 The people who will buy this, will tell you that they bought it without you asking for it..
  • 19 9
 The vegans of the bike world
  • 5 0
 Yeah those fools...they'll never be able to descend a volcano without serious performance issues. Its all short-sighted if you ask me.
  • 2 1
 I am gonna make a killing on those with the Yeti owners!
  • 1 1
 @sewer-rat: And them Straight Edge XXX
  • 2 1
 They do cross fit as well
  • 2 0
 @slowmoe: “Hello stranger. You don’t know me but I am a vegan engineer who does cross fit and I also ride a Yeti with a magnetic chain ring. That is all and thanks for the chat.”
  • 50 4
 When your chainrings covered in fine metal shavings that you have to pressure wash to remove. Youll regret this purchase.
  • 49 0
 You’ve got to stop riding in those CNC workshops.
  • 27 0
 @dubod22: Most of the Western coastal areas of New Zealand have sandy soils with ferromagnetic sand. Just a naturally high iron content. Any magnet that touches the ground is instantly covered in sand. It is really hard to get off. Makes a cool science practical for the kids though.
  • 9 0
 Good point. And those fine metal shavings will do wonders for chain life.
  • 2 0
 This was my first thought!
  • 1 0
 I wonder if the constant friction/rubbing of the chain over each magnet would be enough to keep them from fouling
  • 2 0
 @jacks0n0: don't leave your phone near the sand as the speakers have magnets in them.... learned that the hard way
  • 35 2
 This is quite...attractive
  • 32 1
 Well Gary , Opinion seems to be a polarised about this new ring
  • 6 4
 magnets...
  • 22 0
 @jimoxbox: It obviously has a lot of positives and negatives...
  • 15 1
 Wonder how it works in the field
  • 5 1
 Positively attractive
  • 6 0
 What's next? A ferrous wheel?
  • 1 0
 @JohnnyVV: That's actually genius. PB, can we give this guy a t-shirt or something? Some serious work has gone into these puns.
  • 41 10
 I have no doubt it sucks, but does it swallow? I'll show myself out.
  • 18 0
 Patiently waiting for the MegaSuck version to come out
  • 4 0
 I felt the same, if it does it's job on retention then it'll struggle to let go as well surely
  • 16 0
 "MagSuck it will fully eliminate chain drops ***"
*** when used in conjunction with clutch derailleur proper tensioned brand new chain and sprocket"
  • 3 0
 Well, this is kind of obvious though. No manufacturer will be granting performace levels for used stuff.
  • 2 0
 @mate1998: Yeah, It's like a miracle exercise equipment that promises weight loss "in only 3mins per day"
that has the fine print "when used in conjunction with proper diet"
  • 15 1
 Fail to see the attraction....
  • 7 2
 I am quite drawn to it.
  • 3 0
 This repulses me.
  • 11 0
 Magsuck. Everything you need to know about it is in the name.
  • 2 1
 Its actually redundant, because all magnets inherently suck
  • 10 1
 Hmmm wonder how much power loss it suffers..
  • 4 6
 That is what geeks are doing with their brains instead of going: how do I talk to Jenny to jump into her pants tonight...
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: LOL'D; I'm scared of Jenny's pants. Overthought that.
  • 8 0
 Due to the high powered magnets, you will also acquire other fallen chains from the trail! lol
  • 5 0
 "MagSuck Components Co.，Ltd was born in the winter of 2017. We have been in love with mountain bike for many years and spend the time in and around the West Lake.

MagSuck Components Co.，Ltd is for bikers like us. We are inspired by our surrounds, bikers are just raw nature in all of it‘s glory. Join us on our journey-we promise it's going to be awesome."



I dunno, if I was trying to sell a product I think I'd use more than Google translate than be inspired by my surrounds.
  • 6 1
 Is the Suck-part of the MagSuck name pointing to all the chainsucks you'll get?

Haven't had a chainsuck since the days of tripple chainrings, seems about time to start having them again.
  • 2 1
 This. How does the magnet know it's time to let go?
  • 3 0
 @hifiandmtb: I betya it's bluetooth telling it wirelessly to let go.

(Damn it! Now I got "Let it go" stuck on my brain. Stupid magnet-brain)
  • 16 0
 @hifiandmtb: Easy fix would be to only have magnets on the top of the chainring. Job done.
  • 7 0
 What next? Magnets in grips and steel plates in gloves?
  • 15 0
 Magnets on the trail and in the tires.
  • 1 0
 Sounds like a great idea for injures racers, less crazy than having their hand taped to the handlebars. Some use velcro though, which could be better. Coudn we have velcro on chainring too? That would certainly drop the noise further.
  • 3 0
 What about magnet-assisted brakes? No wear, no fading, harder to shoplift
  • 2 0
 @Tamasz: Actually by using regenerative braking, you could slow down a little and use the energy to charge a battery, which would power an electromagnet in the lever with a magnet in the master piston, that would give more power in the end of the lever stroke.
  • 1 0
 @EnduroManiac: for injured riders? maybe it's good idea

I thought about (as a joke)
- magnet'ed brake levelers/gloves (you will never miss you brake by thingers)
- magnet'ed seatpost-tubes (your mechanic will always insert seatpost as need as you need)

Alsow it can be "next word" for tubeless seals - add some metall shavings into seal and,
if you are punctured your tyre, just attach the magnet to a hole

and so on : )
  • 1 0
 @EnduroManiac:

*as deep as you need
  • 1 0
 @Tamasz: some disc brakes do have magnets in them. Came across some Hayes cable brakes that had magnets in the pot that seemed to be intended to retain the pad...
  • 1 0
 @Pavel-Repak: also nice! I thought more in the sense of electromagnetically-engaged braking, where the brake lever defines the current applied to the system - but combining that with e-bike technology seems too obvious!
  • 2 0
 @silentbutdeadly: Magura disc brakes also have magnetic pad retention, except for the Gustav brake.

What's next? Once you've got enough metal implants in your body, you can just take a dive into your wardrobe and your magnetic body armour will pop into place. Not sure whether titanium is being attracted by magnets though, have to find out. If you're getting steel implants, chances are it will be austenitic stainless steel which won't be attracted by magnets. Not sure what they're using though, 316L grade surgical steel? I'm an armchair surgeon solely educated by Carcass tunes so I might be slightly off.
  • 1 0
 @Pavel-Repak: Same polarity or opposite? What are your plans exactly? Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @EnduroManiac: Master piston containing a magnet goes past the electromagent coil around the lever body, electromagnet turns on to oppose the permanent magnet to boost braking power without affecting the beggining. Might hop over to Germany with a barrel of beer as a bribe and visit the Sram HQ and make revolutionary new brakes.
  • 2 0
 @Pavel-Repak: the revolution would be reliable brakes from SRAM!
  • 5 1
 I doubt the forces involved to drop a chain will be overcome by tiny magnets. Plus, you are probably using more energy to pedal as the chain is trying to slightly stick to the ring constantly.
  • 2 0
 That was my first thought too... both topics you mentioned. I do hear that magnets from China are better for some reason. why this is true, don't know but, I have heard it before a couple times from different places
  • 3 0
 There are small iron particles in soil all over the world. I can see this working but also attracting a bunch of particles into the magnets and then into the chainlube on the chain.
  • 2 0
 The chainring seems like the wrong place.
I wonder if this could aid with backpedal chain retention
At the big end of the cassette. E.thirteen already makes the climbing cogs replaceable on theirs, but it doesn't retain well (backwards) in my experience.
Add magntets FTW?
  • 2 0
 I rememeber when chain suck was a huge problem, this brings back horrible memories! By far the best chainring for no dropped chains is the Garbaruk. The teeth are extra long, so 2 teeth are picking up the chain, and there are chamfers to evacuate mud & filth. I am using a 34t oval(on my 29er), and it is the best chainring that I have ever seen or used!
  • 1 0
 I thought of chain suck being an issue too - I wonder if they sell anti-chain suck plates too?! A throw back to the 90s.
  • 4 0
 How can we put magnets in my tires to stop the flats that I have once every two years?
  • 4 0
 Can’t remember last time I dropped a chain
  • 4 2
 There will be a loss of power for sure, as you need more force to seperate the chain from the ring. For gravity use it could be ok.
  • 3 1
 LOL no.
  • 4 0
 It‘s the most stupid idea I‘ve seen in years, which goes a long way in the MTB industry.
  • 12 3
 For each link moving away from the ring there's one moving towards it and the forces should balance on average.
  • 4 0
 Over engineering at its finest.
  • 1 0
 Not sure that I would want that chainring, but the cranks actually look pretty decent. They are only 541 grams and have a standard 24mm spindle with a direct mount chainring. I'd take a set of crankarms for 58 bucks.
  • 4 0
 Wouldn't the chain ring eventually get covered in tiny metal filings?
  • 1 0
 I can't remember if it's the same brand, but a couple of years ago someone was flogging these on Facebook. It didn't seem to gain much traction, personally I don't think I've dropped a chain in a couple of years.
  • 3 0
 You surely wanted to say "did not seem to gain much retension", didn't you?
  • 2 0
 @Tamasz: I was sure there was a pun in there somewhere, but it's too early....
  • 2 1
 @gkeele: I know, the day is rather bipolar before and after morning-coffee
  • 3 0
 if this magnetizes the chain it will attract sooo much red dirt and metal grime
  • 3 0
 First I'm attracted to the idea, then I'm repelled by it. it's fair to say I'm in a state of flux over the whole thing.
  • 1 0
 So you ride this for while, your chain never gets blunt, but you can only ride due North or South (if you backpedal).
Nope still can’t see a problem unless you’re trying to outrun a T-1000 Terminator.
  • 2 0
 surely this will only cause more resistance when peddling, id rather stick to a chain guide
  • 4 1
 This has to be a joke. MAGSUCC? Who names this shit!
  • 4 0
 Someone in China, I'm guessing
  • 3 1
 They haven't even put any shaping into the narrow-wide machining.
Magsuck.... **Not suitable for mud riding**
  • 3 1
 This is cool and all but my 100g chain guide doesn't wear out like this will...
  • 2 0
 April fools day?
Like I need any more pedalling resistance or dirt to stick to my chainring.....
  • 2 0
 Great! Pedalling efficiency divided by 2 given the chain sticks to the ring
  • 2 0
 Like they had to Trade Mark "Magsuck" - who else is gonna use that name - other than maybe a Transformers porn movie.
  • 1 0
 Let me guess... there also going to bring an electromagnet version out for e-bikes? You herd it here first!
  • 1 0
 ...and a software which mag-sucks the upper chain and Mag-spit the lower....is that a motor?
  • 2 0
 first it sucks, then it cuts
  • 2 0
 I feel a real connection to this product even without seeing its power...
  • 2 0
 and here I am thinking it sucks!
  • 2 0
 Haha PB I almost fell for July fools ... uhh wait
  • 2 0
 I personally run MagsSuckLess just because they suck less.
  • 2 0
 Regular maintenance is free, and does a lot more than keep your chain on.
  • 2 0
 A few issues to iron out.
  • 3 0
 this is polarising
  • 2 0
 Magnetic bikes are for people who never need a compass.
  • 1 2
 Hmm...Might be interesting to try this. I've managed to drop chain couple times even with chain guide and narrow-wide chainring. Though I'm not likely to ditch the chain guide because the bash guard.... Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Neat idea, I’m pretty drawn to it.
  • 2 0
 I see no negative spin to this!
  • 2 0
 Came for the comments. Not disappointed.
  • 2 0
 It's either an attractive product or it sucks. Maybe both.
  • 2 0
 Well it certainly does suck!
  • 1 0
 More drag = more power output= less time riding i recon. Isn't it about having the least friction?
  • 1 0
 be sure not to ride this in MG-Brasil. Almost everything here contains iron
  • 1 1
 I like how they say it’s on par with the rest of the chainrings for weight cause all the hole machined in it for the magnets!!! Lol then what’s in those holes?
  • 1 0
 Can’t remrmber my last dropped chain, no chain guides, just run a correct chain length. GX 11/12, 9-46.
  • 2 0
 WTF!! Smile
  • 1 0
 This is irrelevant if you just ride a single speed...
  • 1 0
 What about the environmental cost of producing magnets?
  • 1 1
 The start to an evolution of magnetic motors..... the ebike revolution
  • 1 1
 so much for those crapchainringguides..nice!
  • 1 1
 If i am using a hi end chain with stainless steal in will it still work?
  • 2 0
 Take any old magnet to it and check, but most likely not. Does depend, though, stainless is a fairly broad term.
  • 1 1
 Are you using this chain for MTB? Stainless steel is generally weaker and softer then carbon steel of the same quality class. Inox chains have their use in city riding where they are exposed to salt spray and infrequent lubing, but for MTB I would re-consider.
  • 1 0
 @Konyp: fair call it is a KMC x12 mtb chain. i was asking as it said rustless btu was not sure if that meant stainless as its silver or just the roller.s
  • 1 1
 @biglev: I think that KMC is using coated carbon steel for the anti rust chains, so you should be fine, this magnetothingumajig will work Smile
  • 1 1
 @Konyp: cool if defo looks better than an chain guide any day.
  • 1 0
 Stainless isn’t magnetic
  • 1 1
 I was intrigued by this, but then I read the comments.
  • 2 2
 yeah bitch! magnets!
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