The Rival E1 Flattop chain sits at the base of SRAM's road Flattop hierarchy — one step below Force and two below Red — but it shares the same fundamental Flattop link shape and PowerLock D1 connector as the pricier chains above it. SRAM took their strongest Rival chain and made it lighter with cutouts on the outer links of the Flattop chain, while the Hard Chrome finish adds durability under shifting loads. If you're running a 12-speed Rival, Force, or Red AXS drivetrain and need a replacement chain that won't blow up the budget, this is the direct-fit option.

Compatibility covers 12-speed road and 13-speed XPLR AXS dropbar drivetrains, which means the same chain works across Rival AXS, Force AXS, Red AXS, and the newer 13-speed XPLR groupsets. That cross-compatibility matters if you're running mixed groupsets on multiple bikes — one part number covers the whole road and gravel AXS lineup. The chain is also e-bike approved, so it's fair game for Class 1 pedal-assist road and gravel builds.

Note the "Flattop" naming: this is SRAM's road Flattop chain and is not interchangeable with T-Type Eagle Transmission Flattop mountain chains, despite the shared terminology. The two systems use different link geometry and different PowerLock connectors, so make sure you're grabbing the road version if you're servicing an AXS road or XPLR bike.