The SRAM Red D1 12-speed Chain is a flattop chain for AXS drivetrains featuring a unique link shape that allows the chain to be narrower and lighter while increasing strength and providing more tolerance between cogs.
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Silver - 114 Links | Mfg PartNum: 00.2518.037.000 |
Chain Application: 13-Speed | |
Chain Application: 12 Speed | |
Mfg Warranty: 24 Mo. Parts | |
Warranty URL: https://www.sram.com/en/service/warranty | |
Okay, I haven't bought into purchasing the newest Sram Red chain (E1) yet. Just because they say it's a matter of grams lighter doesn't mean I trust the strength just yet. I remember going from 10 speed to 11 speed and many different manufacturers had durability and reliability issues. So until I have to pony up and purchase the new E1 chain I am going to stick with what works for me and my riding style.
High wattage climbing and higher than average torque. And that equates to possible drivetrain issues, Hence going with the tried and true Sram Red D1 chain.
If Beyonc' were a bicycle, she'd wear the SRAM Red D1 12-Speed Chain to the Grammys.
This thing is gold-plated bike jewelry, and it lets everyone knows you're not here to casually pedal to brunch ' you're here to win, or at least look like you do. The moment I installed it, I swear my bike gained at least 10 watts of smugness. Birds flew alongside me. Strangers nodded in approval. A barista gave me a free espresso. Coincidence? I think not.
The shifting? Smoother than a jazz saxophone on satin sheets. You could sneeze and accidentally shift three gears ' perfectly. No clunks, no hesitation, just buttery transitions like your derailleur suddenly got a master's degree in finesse.
Durability? Let's just say it laughs in the face of dirt. I rode through mud, sand, and what might've been a cursed swamp. It came out cleaner than my conscience after blaming my slow pace on a 'headwind' (there wasn't one).
Downsides? Sure. It's not cheap, ' but then again, neither is style, performance, or an ego boost that makes you feel like the Tour de France just started at your driveway.
Final Verdict:
5/5 stars.
Gold, fast, reliable, and slightly bougie.
Just don't let it catch you wearing socks with sandals.
This is the "flat on one side" SRAM RED AXS chain. Cannot really compare to anything on this group set, but the data is that it is not a fast chain. I use Silca wax on it and the original lasted for a long time. With proper maintenance one can get 20K out of it.
I have ran this chain for about a year with no problems. I take the chain from the box and run it with the wax that it comes on it. It lasted about a month to five week and stays fairly clean. Shifts smooth as well.
Looking forward to when my chain needs to be changed out for this new Rainbow SRAM Chain. It goes with my bottle cages with the same rainbow colors. I purchased the usual silver and the rainbow chains for my new gravel bike. It helped to use the one time 25% off coupon too!
What's not to love about a SRAM Red flat top chain in rainbow color? Really hoping they decide to keep this color around and not have it remain a limited edition. Don't sleep on this! It looks fantastic in person. I grabbed three since they look so amazing paired with the new RED rainbow cassettes!
Seems a little sensitive chain. I am not a big guy with brutal power, still managed to brake this chain on my gravel bike. Probably my fault - at least partially. Managed to "hack" it back together and get home without a chain tool - also my fault. Still I have not had this problem before with any other chain. I got a new one - quite expensive but reluctant to try something else with the SRAM Red 12 setup.
I am new to the 12 spd world but run wrap 11 and 12 speed on three separate bikes
Love the range the 12 speed gives you. The chain is light and quiet. But pricey for sure and rarely on sale.
These new chains look like they are lasting longer than my old 11 speed chains according to the chain checker tool. I have not had to put this chain on yet because the one that came on my bike still shows good. I went with the Red chain for the first chain change but will probably go with Force on the next one it is half the price.
