SRAM's Red/Force X-SYNC Direct Mount Chainring is the 1x replacement ring for anyone running an 8-bolt AXS crankset who wants to stay in the top two tiers of SRAM's road hierarchy without stepping down to Rival. Compared to the SRAM Rival X-SYNC chainring, the Red/Force version is made of lighter and stronger aluminum, which is where the price difference between the tiers actually goes. If you snapped a ring, wore one out, or want to change your gearing on a Red or Force 1x setup, this is the direct swap.

The chainring is a 1x design made for SRAM RED and Force 8-bolt AXS cranksets, featuring SRAM's X-SYNC wide-tooth, narrow-tooth profile that optimizes chain retention. The alternating tooth shape grips every other link of the chain, keeping it seated when the drivetrain gets slack over rough pavement, cattle guards, or hard efforts out of the saddle. The chainring is designed with mud-clearing recesses for the inner chain links and rollers, which matters more on gravel and cyclocross builds than on pure road, but it does not hurt either way.

Fitment is specific and worth getting right before you order. These chainrings are compatible with SRAM 8-bolt cranksets including RED E1, RED E1 XPLR, Force, and Rival cranksets. They will not work on the older 3-bolt or 22mm spindle SRAM cranks, and they will not work on Shimano, Campagnolo, or any non-SRAM 1x setup. The ring is compatible with SRAM 12-speed road chains — that means the Flattop chain, not a mountain Eagle chain, and not an 11-speed road chain.... Read More