12-speed drivetrains demand tighter tolerances than 11-speed systems, and the chain is where those tolerances matter most. SRAM's GX Eagle Chain uses their Flattop design—the same architecture found in the XX1 and X01 chains—which places a solid pin connecting the inner and outer plates instead of the traditional hollow pin design. The solid pin construction handles the lateral forces that come with shifting across a 10-52T cassette range without the flex that causes premature wear.

The chain runs 126 links, which covers most Eagle drivetrain configurations out of the box. You'll likely remove a few links depending on chainstay length and cassette size, but having extra links means you won't come up short on longer-travel bikes with extended chainstays. The PowerLock connector link comes installed, so you can size the chain and connect it without digging through your parts bin.

Eagle chains aren't cross-compatible with other 12-speed systems. The Flattop profile uses narrower inner link spacing than Shimano's 12-speed chains, which means an Eagle chain on a Shimano cassette (or vice versa) creates shifting problems and accelerates wear on both components. If you're running an Eagle derailleur with an Eagle cassette, this is the chain that matches. Mixing drivetrains to save a few dollars usually costs more in the long run.... Read More