Aero chainrings only make sense in a 1x context, and that's exactly where the SRAM Red E1 Aero X-Sync Chainring lives — bolted to a Red AXS 8-bolt crank on a time trial or triathlon bike, no front derailleur, no shift ramps, no compromises for a big-to-small transition. SRAM machines away excess material and crafts an aerodynamic design that cuts through the wind , giving you a smooth, filled-in ring profile instead of the pinned, cutout look of a standard road chainring. This is the 46T version in the black and silver finish.

The 46t, 12-speed, 8-bolt direct mount ring uses a 6.5mm offset , which is the chainline SRAM designed around for the Red AXS 8-bolt crank platform. Direct mount means the ring bolts straight to the crank arm without a separate spider — lighter, stiffer, and easier to swap when you want to change gearing between an aero course and a hilly one. Available in sizes 44T through 50T, with Torx T20 bolts included , so a size swap is an eight-bolt job with a single tool.

Chain compatibility is where you want to slow down and confirm. These chainrings are intended for use with SRAM 8-bolt AXS cranksets and are compatible with SRAM 12 and 13-speed road chains — meaning Flattop, not Eagle. If you're running a Red AXS or Force AXS 1x setup, you're already on Flattop and this drops right in. If your crank uses the older 3-bolt or 22mm spider standard, this ring will not fit.... Read More