We know that SLX is still technically considered Shimano’s workhorse mountain drivetrain, efficient and affordable. It’s never been known as the sexiest or lightest groupset, but has filled its niche admirably up until now. After the overhaul Shimano introduced this year, however, we’re not how to refer to it anymore. SLX still technically sits beneath XTR and XT, but after receiving a host of trickle-down technology and an impressive makeover, the groupset has significantly raised the bar of what “workhorse” means. Shimano didn’t leave any part of the groupset untouched, and as such, the SLX M7000 1x Chainring received its own host of exciting modifications to interact expertly with the new 1×11 SLX Crankset. Now featuring the same Dynamic Chain Engagement (DCE) tooth profile as its XTR and XT chainring siblings, the 1x Chainring boasts dramatically better chain retention than its predecessors. The teeth grab onto your chain fiercely, but do so without dragging you down, and their stainless steel construction offers improved durability and longevity befitting of their Shimano pedigree.