SRAM XX1 Eagle Chain

It might look normal from the outside, but the engineering inside this incredible new chain design that makes possible a gear range previously found only in 2-chainring drivetrains.

And it’s also the biggest contributor to the Eagle drivetrain’s ultra-smooth, precise, durable and quiet performance. The Eagle chain’s links have a smooth radius, with no sharp edges or chamfers, which yield a significant reduction in noise, friction and wear on chainrings and cassette cogs. This design also allows for a flatter plate, which means more consistent chain riveting and greater overall strength. Hard Chrome technology extends the chain’s optimal performance life, and a Titanium Nitride coating on the Gold and Black models decreases corrosion and further reduces friction.

Technologies

Flow Link – Ultra-smooth chain inner-plates are completely devoid of square edges, resulting in a chain that engages the cassette and chainring with far less friction, for quieter performance and better wear life. The design allows a narrower overall profile that can withstand greater angles, and also allows for a flatter outer-plate, which means more consistent chain riveting and enhanced overall strength.

Hard Chrome – The SRAM Hard Chrome chain has four times the elongation (wear) resistance to our other chains. This is due to the new finishing process on the inner links and rollers. Push pin strength and ultimate strength are equivalent to our current chains. The Hard Chrome chain lasts longer and is just as strong.

PowerLock – SRAM chain engineers developed PowerLock® as a tool free, sure, and consistent way to connect our chains. While PowerLock does not require special tools for install, the especially tight tolerances of 10-, 11- and 12-speed drivetrains mandate that each PowerLock is good for a one-time application only.

X-Sync – SRAM X-Sync 1x chain rings provide the highest level of performance and durability. The SRAM X-Sync tall square teeth edges engage the chain earlier than traditional triangle shaped teeth. The sharp and narrow tooth profile, as well as rounded chamfer edges, help manage a deflected chain. To provide the best possible performance in muddy conditions, the X-Sync chain rings have been designed with mud-clearing recesses for the inner chain links and rollers. Engineered in Germany, X-Sync rings are an integral part of the SRAM 1x drivetrain.

Features

Groundbreaking new chain design and technology
The Eagle chain has been completely re-engineered, and is produced with new manufacturing technology
All-new Eagle PowerLock chain connector with FlowLink technology provides better chain-guiding and increased longevity
The XX1 Eagle chain is the quietest, strongest and most wear-resistant chain in the world
Unique features and design also provide significantly improved wear resistance on Eagle cassettes and rings

Specifications

Technology Highlight(s): Flowlink, Hard Chrome, Powerlock, X-sync
Compatible Gears: Eagle 10-52t Cassette Only
Closing Link: Eagle Powerlock Pvd
Outer Plate: Nickel + Pvd Gold Or Black
Inner Plate: Chrome Plated + Pvd Gold Or Black
Pin Treatment Chrome Hardened, Hollow Pin
Recommended Group: XX1 Eagle, X01 Eagle
Speeds: 12
SRAM XX1 Eagle 12 Speed Chain Rainbow – 126 Links
SRAM XX1 Eagle 12 Speed Chain Black – 126 Links
SRAM XX1 Eagle 12 Speed Chain Copper -126 Links
SRAM XX1 Eagle 12 Speed Chain Gold – 126 Links
Colours: Black, Gold, Rainbow
Compatibility: Eagle

Reviews

MTB Mag

SRAM XX1 Eagle | SRAM X01 | mtb-mag.com | March 2016

“We loved the fact that we could pedal(ride) faster on the downhills: with the 34-10 it’s easy to reach 40 km/h pedaling, and this can be an advantage when racing. Combined to the fact that the 50T cog allows to climb every steep trail in sight, the Eagle reaches the purpose of widening the reach of the single chainring drivetrains, even for those who felt the 1×11 was too short, both for racing and for recreational purpose.” View Article

by Staff, mtb-mag.com, March 24, 2016

Vital MTB

“SRAM Eagle 1×12 | The Front Derailleur Killer” – VitalMTB.com

With a highly positive and thorough feature on both XX1 Eagle™ and X01 Eagle™ they concluded – “With gear range out of the picture, there are now very few arguments left for not switching to a simpler, quieter, and easier-to-use 1X drivetrain… View Article

by Brandon Turman, VitalMTB.com, March 24, 2016

Pinkbike

SRAM XX1 & X01 Eagle – Pinkbike’s first impressions

“The most immediate sensation was just how smooth the drivetrain felt. Sure, a brand new drivetrain will always feel better than one that’s had the snot beat out of it for months, but this was something different. The interaction between the chain and chainring feels absolutely seamless, almost as if it were somehow one unit rather than two separate components.” View Article

by Mike Kazimer, Pinkbike.com, March 24, 2016

MTBR

SRAM XX1 Eagle | First Ride – MTBR.com

“SRAM has trumpeted a host of non-gearing related improvements between its 1×11 and 1×12 drivetrains, it’s the gearing that will always draw the most attention…you now have a full 500% range, which on the bike feels a lot like what you get from a traditional 2x system, just with one less derailleur and shift lever.”

“But when you add a 50-tooth cog to the equation, the front derailleur becomes obsolete, which forever minimizes cockpit clutter.” View Article

by Jason Sumner, MTBR.com, June 28, 2016