Twelve-speed Eagle chains take abuse that would destroy a road drivetrain. The XX1 Eagle chain handles those demands through SRAM's Flattop design, which uses a flat-top inner plate profile instead of the traditional hourglass shape. This geometry creates a wider contact patch between chain and cassette, distributing pedaling forces across more surface area and reducing wear at the engagement points where chains typically stretch first.

The chain uses hollow pins throughout to reduce rotating mass without compromising the shear strength needed for aggressive climbing efforts. Hard chrome plating on the outer plates resists corrosion from trail spray, post-ride hose-downs, and the general neglect that mountain bike drivetrains endure. The inner plates get a nickel coating that maintains smooth articulation at each link even as grit works its way into the drivetrain between cleanings.

SRAM ships the chain at 126 links, which handles most trail and enduro builds with room for sizing. You'll need to remove links for shorter chainstays or smaller chainring setups, so keep your chain tool handy during installation. The included Eagle PowerLock connector makes installation straightforward without special tools, though you'll want a fresh PowerLock if you ever need to remove the chain for deep cleaning or travel—SRAM designs these as single-use connectors.... Read More